Uruguay: Thematic Group presents results of the Caraguatá Pilot Project

Uruguay's National Thematic Group on Rural Development and Food Security presented last 21 March in the city of Tacuarembó, the results of the Caraguatá Pilot Project to departmental authorities and representatives of the Ministries of Livestock, Agriculture and Fishery (MGAP), Public Health and the Departmental Inspectors of the Public Education National Management (ANEP)/Council of Elementary Education (CEP).

Several UN System Agencies (UNDP, WHO/PAHO and FAO) with the support of German cooperation agency GTZ, the Public Health Ministry, ANEP/CEP and the Latin American Center for Human Economy (CLAEH), worked actively in the development of the project creating an effective partnership in the promotion of rural development.

The main scope of the pilot project, which was developed within the Rural Development and Food Security Program, was to contribute in strengthening local capacities fostering improvements in production and marketing of agriculture products while promoting healthy diet habits. To achieve this, the program included the active participation of local organizations, civil society and a rural schools network.

The project was designed taking into account four basic areas: social assistance, health education, nutrition and agriculture. During the meeting, the consultants in charge of each area and the representatives of the Un System Agencies presented the results of each area and analyzed the possible complementary actions. Local authorities were very pleased with the project's results and requested that the Thematic Group carry out the complementary activities and study the possibility of following-up on the project through a second phase that could include the development of this experience in other areas of the Tacuarembó department.

The MGAP representatives also showed their support to the project and said that the next phase of the project could be included in the 2004 budget of the Rural Uruguay project being developed with IFAD funds.

The meeting's main recommendations were:

• Coordinate as soon as possible the complementary actions suggested by the Thematic Group to be presented upon local authorities.
• Formulate second phase of project
• Create a CD-Rom containing the information produced by the Caraguatá Pilot Project.

For more information regarding the project please contact the offices of the FAO Representation in Uruguay FAO-UY@fao.org