On 27-28 April, Maris Gavino, WOCAN Liaison, participated in the Civil Society Mechanism’s (CSM) meeting prior to the CFS Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on RAI . The CSM discussed Draft 1 (an expansion of the Draft 0) of the CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (RAI). The Mechanism developed a point by point analysis of Draft 1 and wrote a general political statement based on the Civil Society Maximum Document on RAI. The CSM prepared its interventions on what it thought were priority issues for the civil society especially the smallholder farmers.
CFS OPEN ENDED WORKING GROUP (OEWG) ON RAI
The task of the CFS OEWG on RAI that met on 29 April 2014 was not to start negotiations on the Draft 1 but merely to tackle questions, clarifications and general comments. Procedures and timetable (setting of the stage) for the negotiations on the principles was the sole agenda item.
DRAFT 1 – CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (RAI)
Negotiations on the CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (RAI) was scheduled on 19-23 May 2014. The important points of Draft 1 are as follows:
- rights based
- contributing to food security and nutrition
- focus on smallscale farmers
- section on roles, responsibilities and application by i) states; ii) intergovernmental organizations; iii) private sector enterprises; iv) financing institutions, donors, foundations and funds; v) research organizations, universities and extension organizations; vi) civil society organizations; vii) communities, viii) consumers; and ix) shared roles
- an inclusive process through regional consultations for broad ownership
- Principle No. 3 on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment was given a whole section (Principle) on its own. However, the CSM perceived the principle as weak in language and lacking concrete action.
The link to Draft 1: www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/cfs/Docs1314/rai/FirstDraft/CFS_RAI_First_Draft_for_Negotiation.pdf