FAO, Japan boost collaboration to assist farmers of Moldova

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with support from the government of Japan, is launching a new project in support of farmers, in the context of a request on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) of Moldova for support in combating the effects of recurrent droughts and the socio-economic impact of the war in Ukraine on the country's agricultural sector.

Continuing the successful collaboration with the government of Japan, which has already supported over 3,600 vulnerable households through an initiative in the period 2023-2024, that provided farmers with essential agricultural inputs, the new project aims to promote long-term adaptation and resilience. By March 30, 2026, the project will assist over 1,000 farmers (700 livestock farmers and 400 crop farmers) through smart agricultural practices, diversification of crops with drought-resistant sorghum, and provision of animal feed.

“To cope with the recurrent droughts affecting our farmers, we have identified sorghum as a promising drought-resistant crop that can support both the crop and livestock sectors with seeds and forage. This project, a vital collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the government of Japan, is essential to ensure that our farmers in the crop and livestock sectors understand the potential of this crop, in order to maintain their productivity even under severe drought conditions,” said Iurie Scripnic, State Secretary at MAIA.

The project will be implemented through partnerships with key local stakeholders, such as agro-food associations, civil society organizations, research institutions, and local public administrations. This will make sure that the activities meet the specific needs of each community.

“It is important to think strategically about what needs to be done to face new realities. FAO and Japan are boosting their collaboration, in order to provide sustainable solutions, that not only provide necessary livelihoods and protect vulnerable communities, but also develop a more resilient and stable food production system in the face of these complex challenges,” said Yamada Yoichiro, Ambassador of Japan to Moldova.

The National Food Safety Agency and research institutes will play a crucial role in providing essential scientific information and rigorous monitoring of project’s outcomes, guaranteeing its effectiveness.

“Through this emergency project, with the generous support of Japan’s government, we aim to improve productivity and adaptive capacity within the agricultural sector, giving Moldovan farmers opportunity to better withstand the adverse effects of climate change. We are optimistic about achieving good and lasting results through this initiative, in close collaboration with our dedicated partners from civil society and academia,” said Tudor Robu, Deputy Representative of FAO in Moldova.

As climate challenges intensify and the side effects of the war in Ukraine persist, FAO and its partners reaffirm their commitment to support farmers of Moldova by providing sustainable, climate-smart solutions that protect food production, safeguard rural livelihoods and promote a more resilient agricultural sector for future generations. The project is valued at 560,000 dollars.