The document discusses food and nutrition security coordination efforts in Antigua and Barbuda. It outlines that the country has committed to various international agreements on this issue over the past two decades and has developed a National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and Plan of Action. Leadership is shared between the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and other sectors. Coordination mechanisms have been established, including an inter-sectoral committee and a Technical Management Advisory Committee to oversee implementation of the Zero Hunger Challenge Plan of Action. Key challenges include developing effective collaboration between sectors and sustainable long-term commitment to these efforts.

1. Juanita James
National Coordinator, Zero Hunger Challenge ,
Antigua and Barbuda

2. Commitment/Action
 Commitment as evidenced by signing of various
international and regional declarations/agreements
 Long process (spanning about 2 decades) of
developing National Food and Nutrition Security
Policy and Plan of Action
 Changing needs and priorities over time requiring
change in response

3. Leadership/Responsibilities
 Who leads? - Ministry of Agriculture/Ministry of
Health/Ministry of Agriculture
 Sharing responsibilities/Sectors taking responsibility
for specific tasks/Support from all sectors

4. Collaboration/Partnerships/Participation
 Stakeholder Ministries – Health, Agriculture,
Education - Social Transformation, Trade,
Finance/Planning
 NGOs/CSOs – some engagement
 Private Sector – limited involvement
 Support (technical and financial) - CFNI/PAHO; FAO
 Participation in development of the CARICOM
Regional FNSP and Plan of Action - Opportunity take
action at national level to finalize policy/action plan

5. Coordination
 Inter-sectoral Coordinating Mechanism –
Coordinating Committee for development of FNSP
and Action Plan
 Cabinet approval sought for appointment of an inter-
sectoral coordinating council – pending approval
based on development of Action Plan
 National Social Protection Commission – to improve
social protection system and strengthen social safety
net (re: Country Poverty Assessment)

6. Coordination
 Zero Hunger Challenge, ZHC, Initiative Plan of Action
 Technical Management Advisory Committee, TMAC,
established to manage the implementation of ZHC Plan of
Action
 Comprised of Chief Technical Officers of Ministries of
 Agriculture (Chair)
 Education (Vice-Chair)
 Health
 Social transformation
 Finance
 ZHC National Coordinator
 FAO, IICA and other regional/international partners
 (Proposed: Representative of CSOs)

7. Coordination
Examples of activities implemented through inter
sectoral coordinating mechanism
 Development of National Policy on FNS and draft
Plan of Action
 Development of Food Based Dietary Guidelines
for Antigua and Barbuda
 Implementation of ZHC Plan of Action

8. Coordination
 TMAC reports to ZHC Inter-Ministerial Cabinet Sub-
Committee
1. Minister of Agriculture
2. Minister of Health/Social Transformation
3. Minister of Education
4. Minister of Finance

9. Financing
 Consolidated Funds - business plan, programme
budget/annual work plan
 External funding – projects e.g. NFNSP/Action Plan,
FBDGs and ZHC
 Other

10. Challenges
 Developing effective inter-sectoral collaboration
 Lack of power of coordinating committees
 Lack of support
 Data management/sharing
 Sustainable Commitment at various levels
 Changes in administration/change in focus
 Funding
 Appointment of appropriate members to
Coordinating Committees

11. Lessons learned
 Sensitization of stakeholders critical including
sensitization of policy makers
 Training necessary to build capacity and promote
collaboration/cooperation
 Commitment, Leadership and Partnerships essential
 More effort needed to improve participation e.g.
involve NGOs/CSOs and Private Sector more

12. Lessons Learned
 Action plan crucial - strengthens implementation;
allows for monitoring and evaluation; improves
accountability
 Coordination for effective/efficient management
 Financing
 Process takes time – members of coordinating
committees have many duties; time for sensitization
and to build relationships
 Shared vision, commitment, support