Description:
Responsible investment in agriculture and food systems refers to creating productive assets and capital information oriented to support the realization of food security, nutrition, and sustainable development, including increased production and productivity. It, therefore, requires respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights, including the progressive realization of the right to adequate food and other relevant human rights instruments.

RAI is embedded in AsiaDHRRA’s specific goals of empowering rural people’s organizations (RPOs) by building their capacities and knowledge; putting its members and partners as leaders in the rural development and poverty eradication (RDPE) advocacies by creating engagement opportunities and mechanisms; developing an innovative network being able to offer data-driven programs and services; and doing all these, making sure that women and youth are not left behind.

Objectives:
This regional initiatives aims to disseminate information on the CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI) as it is translated or adapted into ASEAN Guidelines for Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (AGRAI); to engage policy makers to integrate AGRAI in current policy frameworks; and to encourage civil society organizations and private sectors to adhere to and promote RAI.

AsiaDHRRA envisions to elevate its track record as a relevant and effective regional and national stakeholder in creating opportunities for policy dialogues and opening engagement mechanisms and platforms on AGRAI. AsiaDHRRA shall work to contribute further to the rural development and poverty eradication agenda by promoting AGRAI in the context of SDG localization and UNDFF implementation, among others, not only at the regional level, but most importantly, cascading the baton to the national level through its DHRRA partners and members, and down to the grassroots.

Areas Implemented:
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam

Implementers:
AsiaDHRRA and Six member DHRRAs (CamboDHRRA, LaoDHRRA, MyanDHRRA, PhilDHRRA, ThaiDHRRA, and VietDHRRA)

Funding:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO)