Apply for the free FAO and UNITAR Trade and Food Security and Nutrition Training Programme 2026. Open to professionals across Eastern and Southern Africa with a certificate upon completion.
Overview
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is accepting applications for the Trade, Food Security and Nutrition (TFSN) Training Programme 2026. This fully online and free training course is designed to strengthen the capacity of policymakers, government officials, researchers, and private sector professionals working in agriculture, trade, and food security across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The five-week programme will run from 13 July 2026 to 14 August 2026 and will provide participants with practical knowledge on agricultural trade, food security policies, nutrition, and international trade governance.
About the Training Programme
The Trade, Food Security and Nutrition (TFSN) Programme was developed to support African countries in implementing evidence-based agricultural trade policies that promote food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
As African countries continue to strengthen regional and international trade under commitments such as the Malabo Declaration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is an increasing demand for professionals capable of analyzing trade policies and negotiating agreements that support food security and nutrition outcomes.
The course combines FAO’s technical expertise with UNITAR’s e-learning platform and includes practical case studies, expert mentoring, webinars, discussion forums, and assessments.
Programme Details
- Organizers: FAO and UNITAR
- Programme Name: Trade, Food Security and Nutrition (TFSN)
- Mode of Study: Online (E-Learning)
- Duration: 5 Weeks
- Dates: 13 July 2026 – 14 August 2026
- Language: English
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes
- Programme Area: Public Finance and Trade
Benefits
What Do I Gain?
Participants will receive:
- Free access to a specialized UN training programme
- Training from FAO-developed learning materials
- Practical knowledge on trade and food security policies
- Understanding of agricultural trade negotiations
- Access to expert-led webinars and mentoring sessions
- Networking opportunities with professionals across Africa
- Enhanced policy analysis and trade development skills
- Exposure to international trade governance frameworks
- Improved understanding of food security and nutrition policies
- Official Certificate of Completion from UNITAR and FAO upon successful completion
- Career development opportunities in agriculture, trade, and policy sectors
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for:
- Government officials
- Policymakers
- Agricultural development practitioners
- Trade professionals
- Researchers and academics
- Extension officers
- Food security specialists
- Representatives of producer organizations
- Private sector professionals
- Agro-industry representatives
- Agricultural traders and business associations
Priority will be given to professionals who:
- Influence agricultural trade policies
- Support regional or national agricultural development initiatives
- Provide technical advice to stakeholders
- Have the ability to share knowledge within their institutions and communities
Eligible Countries
Applications are invited from professionals in Eastern and Southern Africa, including:
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Mozambique
- Malawi
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Angola
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
Training Modules
Unit 1: Introduction to Trade and Food Security
- Definitions and linkages between trade and food security
- Impacts of trade on food security
Unit 2: Trade Policy Supportive of Food Security
- Trade policy measures and agricultural development
- Policy design and implementation
Unit 3: Governance of Trade and Food Security
- Multilateral trading systems
- WTO Agreement on Agriculture
- Governance frameworks for food security
Unit 4: Trade and Nutrition
- Trade and nutrition linkages
- Food diversity and nutrient supply
- Strengthening policy coherence for healthy diets
Application Process
How Do I Apply?
Step 1
Submit an application through the UNITAR registration platform.
Step 2
Complete all required application information accurately.
Step 3
Await the selection process conducted by FAO.
Step 4
If selected, obtain approval from your direct supervisor to participate in the programme.
Step 5
Receive final confirmation from the programme organizers.
Step 6
Join the online training programme and complete all assignments and assessments.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to provide:
✓ Completed application form
✓ Professional profile or CV
✓ Employment information
✓ Supervisor approval (upon selection)
✓ Any additional supporting information requested by FAO or UNITAR
Application Deadline
Applications are currently being accepted.
Due to limited available places, interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Selection will consider:
- Professional relevance
- Geographic representation
- Gender balance
- Potential impact within applicants’ institutions and sectors
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Trade, Food Security and Nutrition (TFSN) |
| Organizers | FAO and UNITAR |
| Format | Online |
| Cost | Free |
| Duration | 5 Weeks |
| Dates | 13 July 2026 – 14 August 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Eligible Countries | Eastern and Southern Africa |
| Certificate | Yes |
| Application Status | Open |
Why You Should Apply
Agricultural trade continues to play a critical role in food security, economic development, and poverty reduction across Africa. This FAO and UNITAR programme offers a unique opportunity to gain practical expertise in trade policy, food security governance, and nutrition while learning directly from international experts. The programme is especially valuable for professionals seeking to strengthen their policy, research, and development skills in agriculture and trade.
Conclusion
The FAO and UNITAR Trade, Food Security and Nutrition Training Programme 2026 provides African professionals with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their expertise in agricultural trade, food security, and nutrition policies. Offered free of charge and delivered online, the programme combines expert instruction, practical learning, and certification to support the next generation of agricultural and trade leaders across Eastern and Southern Africa.
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