A new joint programme has been launched in El Salvador to support one of the Government’s national priorities: addressing food and nutrition challenges through an integrated and sustainable approach.
The United Nations in El Salvador, the Ministry of Health, and the Office of the First Lady of the Republic introduced the joint programme titled “Advocacy for the Transformation of Sustainable and Nutrition-Sensitive Food Systems in El Salvador.” The initiative seeks to strengthen institutional capacities, promote responsible food consumption, and improve food security in vulnerable communities.
The joint programme builds on the roadmap developed by the Government of El Salvador, with support from the United Nations system, following the 2021 Food Systems Summit. It aims to foster coordinated policy dialogue for the transformation of food systems while reinforcing the capacity of rural and urban families to adopt sustainable consumption habits, reduce malnutrition, and prevent non-communicable diseases.
Community training is at the core of the programme, with actions to enhance local food production, distribution, and the consumption of healthy, nutritious foods. The programme will also support nutrition education and provide families with training and financial assistance to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
One of the key territorial interventions will take place in Conchagua, in the department of La Unión, where approximately 37,000 people live. Located in the Dry Corridor—a region characterized by scarce rainfall and challenging agricultural conditions—Conchagua faces critical barriers to food production and nutrition. The joint programme aims to address these through targeted, community-based action.
Transforming food systems means rethinking how food is produced, distributed, and consumed to ensure that all people have access to sufficient, nutritious, and high-quality food—without harming the environment. This transformation includes adopting sustainable farming methods, reducing food loss and waste, improving livelihoods for small producers, and building resilience to climate change. In essence, it is about ensuring healthy diets for all, now and in the future, while safeguarding natural resources and supporting future generations.
“This joint programme is a reflection of the United Nations’ commitment to the wellbeing of the Salvadoran people,” said Raúl Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator in El Salvador.
“Transforming food systems is not only essential for health and nutrition, but also for the social and economic development of the country. When we ensure access to sustainable and healthy food, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable and just future.”
The 12-month joint programme is implemented by FAO, IFAD, PAHO/WHO, WFP, and UNICEF, with support from the Joint SDG Fund. Implementation will be carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, the Office of the First Lady, and other government institutions to ensure that results are sustainable and replicable in other communities.
This joint programme contributes directly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By reducing malnutrition and non-communicable diseases and promoting sustainable, healthy food systems, the initiative supports long-term wellbeing—especially among those most at risk of being left behind.
Originally published by the UN in El Salvador.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
