A new study offers concrete solutions to improve agriculture and improve food security.
Experts from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus, conducted an in-depth review and analysis of the functioning of the agro-food sector of the Republic of Belarus from 2010 to 2021.
The work was carried out as part of a comprehensive study in the field of food security and agriculture using the DFA methodology developed by UNDP - Development Finance Assessment (Development Finance Assessment).
The study focused on production, domestic consumption, exports and imports of food. Aspects of financing and taxation of the agro-food sector, as well as the development of an insurance protection system for agricultural business entities and issues of public-private partnership were considered.
The analysis carried out contributes to the achievement of the priorities identified for the agricultural and food sectors in the state programs for sustainable rural development for 2011–2015, the development of agricultural business for 2016–2020, and the Agricultural Business program for 2021–2025.
Based on the experience of different countries, as well as the rules and requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a review of existing foreign practices on the procedure for providing and sources of additional financing for the industry, the experts compiled a list of recommendations in three areas.
To improve the product logistics system, experts recommended using a variety of models for the formation of supply chains between farmers and retail chains, including improving the regulatory framework, insurance against risks , including from unscrupulous suppliers in the field of trade. An analysis of the world's best practices identified digital channels as the most effective for promoting products.
For small businesses, a number of recommendations have been developed for the development of venture financing, including a proposal to expand the legal framework for venture financing, involving , in addition to public funds , the capital of individuals and legal entities, banks and institutions. This approach will increase the investment attractiveness of the agro - food sector of Belarus.
Together with experts from the Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University (BSATU), a study was conducted in the field of specialized education . Based on a survey of 176 respondents planning new types of entrepreneurial activities, the experts developed a step-by-step algorithm of actions for people who wish to start farming, including recommendations for certification of organic agricultural products. Projects of educational programs aimed at improving the skills of such a target audience were developed. In the future, BSATU may become a platform for the implementation of such educational projects.
Together with the UN Women agency , the study examined the issues of women's entrepreneurship, as well as aspects of the legal framework for entrepreneurial activity.
Preliminary results of the study were presented by UNDP experts to national partners. The study was conducted within the framework of a joint Program of UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women), the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus and funded by the Joint Fund for SDGs.
