© Pascal RATEAU, Fotolia | Agriculture in Ethiopia

BILATERAL COOPERATION PROGRAMMES: TWO DECADES OF PARTNERSHIP – AND A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

After many years of close collaboration, we are pleased to announce that GFA Consulting Group has once again been appointed the general agent for the Bilateral Cooperation Programmes (BKP) Agriculture and Forestry by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) for the new programme phase from July 2025 to December 2027, with an option to extend until June 2029.

Since the early 1990s, GFA has supported BMLEH’s international cooperation with partner countries to promote sustainable agriculture and forest management, strengthen food and nutrition security, and contribute to climate and biodiversity goals. A core aspect of the programme is the close collaboration between BMLEH, its affiliated administrations, and the respective political and administrative entities in partner countries to jointly shape political frameworks for agri-food systems. Agricultural Policy Dialogues provide essential platforms to facilitate exchange among multiple actors.

BKP Agriculture focuses on building resilient, inclusive, and climate-sensitive food systems through capacity development, legal and institutional advice, and knowledge partnerships. It contributes to the promotion of the right to food by supporting locally adapted and participatory approaches in food systems governance.

BKP Forestry supports sustainable, multifunctional forest management with an emphasis on forest conservation, participatory forest governance, and the integration of agroforestry systems. It aims to enhance rural livelihoods and strengthen local ownership as a foundation for long-term forest protection.

Together, these programmes contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, and the Global Biodiversity Framework – as well as to Germany’s agricultural and forestry diplomacy.

We are honoured by the renewed trust placed in us and look forward to continuing this important work with our partners in government, civil society, research, and the private sector.

> More information on the BMLEH website