The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is intensifying its communication efforts in Southern Africa to enhance public awareness, education, and partnership building. The FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa, which oversees 15 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, recently held a week-long capacity development workshop in Johannesburg for over 30 FAO communication officers. This initiative aims to equip them with advanced skills to manage and implement effective communication strategies in today’s fast-evolving digital and media landscape.
The workshop’s focus aligns with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, particularly emphasizing country-specific contexts and key initiatives like climate resilience, mechanization, One Health, and investment and trade programs. Patrice Talla, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, urged the communications team to amplify collective efforts in highlighting FAO’s pivotal role in transforming agrifood systems towards efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability in the region. “Your role is critical in shaping the narrative, advocating for our causes, and mobilizing resources for FAO corporate initiatives,” Talla emphasized.
This training follows recommendations from the 17th Subregional Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting held in November 2023, which stressed the importance of cohesion and coordination between communication teams and technical officers. Under the renewed mandate of FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, the workshop emphasized the principles of unity and clarity in communication, promoting innovation and creativity to enhance FAO’s corporate identity. Interactive sessions focused on strategic communication skills, media relations, digital tools, and stakeholder engagement, providing practical insights for participants.
The workshop concluded with a commitment from all communication specialists to apply the newly acquired knowledge and skills. This includes a comprehensive communication plan focused on building climate resilience in the face of El Niño and La Niña-induced droughts, a capacity development follow-up program, a communication kit for projects, and a detailed report to be presented at the next MDT meeting in November 2024 in Zimbabwe. The collaborative environment fostered during the workshop promises a more profound impact on addressing communication challenges and enhancing FAO’s visibility and effectiveness in Southern Africa.
