UNIDO provides a variety of technical cooperation activities to assist developing countries add value to the output of their agricultural sector and generate increased employment opportunities for rural communities, thereby contributing to increased food security and a sustainable reduction of poverty. The aim is to link resources and markets in the agri-business value chains; strengthen forward and backward industrial linkages to improve employment and income opportunities, and support economic transformation and sustainable livelihoods. Their benefits extend to poor and marginalized rural population groups, to urban agro-industries, and to communities facing human security challenges or requiring urgent supplies of agricultural equipment and the rehabilitation of food industries.

Functions:

• Provide technical cooperation and capacity-building services to agro-based and agrorelated businesses and industries, inter alia, in the food, leather, textiles, wood and agricultural equipment sectors.Support the development of agro-industries in rural areas and contribute to poverty reduction.

• Promote investment in agribusiness and value chain development, and build partnerships and linkages with strategic financing institutions.

• Undertake various global forum activities, including expert group meetings in related fields and the publication of specialized training manuals, guides and electronic media.

To carry out its mandate in this area, UNIDO mobilizes expert services such as cluster development, conformity with quality and standards, rural energy, environmental management and cleaner production.