CFS Policy Convergence Products Database

1.1- These Voluntary Guidelines seek to improve governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests. They seek to do so for the benefit of all, with an emphasis on vulnerable and marginalized people, with the goals of food security and progressive realization of the right to adequate food, poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods, social stability, housing security, rural development, environmental protection and sustainable social and economic development. All programmes, policies and technical assistance to improve governance of tenure through the implementation of these Guidelines [...]

Research organizations, universities, academia, agricultural training centres, extension organizations and/or programmes should emphasize the integration of the Principles in their own policies, facilitate knowledge, exchange, and skills development, and address the innovation needed to increase smallholders' contributions to food security and nutrition. This can comprise a range of roles including identifying impacts, testing of field practices, technology and business models, and advising the government on policy reform or investors on practices related to agriculture and food systems. [...]

2.1- These Guidelines are voluntary. 2.2- These Guidelines should be interpreted and applied consistent with existing obligations under national and international law, and with due regard to voluntary commitments under applicable regional and international instruments. They are complementary to, and support, national, regional and international initiatives that address human rights and provide secure tenure rights to land, fisheries and forests, and also initiatives to improve governance. Nothing in these Guidelines should be read as limiting or undermining any legal obligations to which [...]

Civil society organizations involved in agriculture and food systems should apply the Principles and are encouraged to integrate them in their own policies and programmes. They are also encouraged to advocate for the appropriate use of the Principles, serve as drivers for transparency and accountability, and assist with building capacity with the aim of contributing to food security and nutrition. Civil society organizations are also encouraged to collaborate with other stakeholders at all stages of investments to use the Principles, as well as to monitor and assess the impacts of [...]