The Controversial Role of the FAO in Africa

🌍The FAO, led by Qu Dongyu, has been accused of serving the interests of China rather than effectively combating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.

🚜Dangerous pesticides, including some banned in the EU, are being approved by the FAO for use in Africa, leading to pesticide poisoning and harm to farmers.

💰The Hand-In-Hand initiative, launched by the FAO, is seen as a platform for Chinese investment in developing countries, raising concerns about the organization's priorities.

🌱The FAO is criticized for disregarding its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and prioritizing mutual benefit with investors.

🌐The controversy surrounding the FAO's role in Africa highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and a focus on the well-being of farmers and the environment.

What is the Hand-In-Hand initiative of the FAO?

—The Hand-In-Hand initiative is a program launched by the FAO that aims to help countries in the global South develop project investment plans and connect them with potential investors.

What pesticides have been approved by the FAO for use in Africa?

—The FAO has approved the use of pesticides like paraquat, thiram, and others in Africa, despite their toxicity and bans in the EU.

What are the concerns about the FAO's role in Africa?

—The concerns include the FAO prioritizing mutual benefit with investors, serving the interests of China, and disregarding its commitment to combating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.

What is the impact of the approved pesticides on farmers in Africa?

—The approved pesticides have led to pesticide poisoning and harm to farmers in Africa, exacerbating the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

What measures are needed to address the controversy surrounding the FAO's role in Africa?

—Transparency, accountability, and a focus on the well-being of farmers and the environment are needed to address the controversy surrounding the FAO's role in Africa.

00:23The FAO, under the leadership of Director-General Qu Dongyu, has been accused of serving the interests of China and approving the delivery of dangerous pesticides to Africa.

01:40These pesticides, including some banned in the EU, are causing pesticide poisoning and harm to farmers.

06:15The Hand-In-Hand initiative, launched by the FAO, is seen as a platform for Chinese investment in developing countries, raising concerns about the organization's priorities.

09:50The FAO is criticized for disregarding its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and prioritizing mutual benefit with investors.

12:36The controversy surrounding the FAO's role in Africa highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and a focus on the well-being of farmers and the environment.