AFSIS Secretariat had an opportunity to consult with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAORAP) regarding a project for Supporting Agricultural Survey on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN Region (SAS-PSA) related to SDG indicator 2.4.1.
AFSIS Secretariat discussed with FAORAP about the progress of the SAS-PSA project implementation in Thailand and implementation plan of the SAS-PSA project related to SDG indicator 2.4.1 in Cambodia and Lao PDR. FAORAP informed that the Cambodian government collaborated with FAO and World Bank for implementing the Agricultural Integrated Survey (AGRIS) programme for the whole Cambodia and the questions related to the SDG indicator 2.4.1 were included in the AGRIS questionnaire survey. Thus, AFSIS Secretariat has to seek the other roles/activities for implementing the SAS-PSA project in Cambodia. While Lao PDR is now doing national agricultural census. FAORAP suggested that AFSIS Secretariat should wait for the sampling frame from agricultural census to identify agricultural household for the pilot survey of the SAS-PSA project.
Moreover, the FAORAP appreciated to the questionnaire of the SAS-PSA project related to SDG indicator 2.4.1 that is based on the FAO Survey Module with additional questions related to COVID-19 situation. Lastly, AFSIS Secretariat also consulted in the issue of the calculation of sub-indicator 10 (Food Insecurity Experience Scale: FIES) for SDG indicator 2.4.1 that FAORAP will conduct the methodological training and demonstrate how to calculate FIES afterwards.
The Meeting also noted the strong collaboration between FAORAP, AFSIS Secretariat and Thai Government to strengthen food security information in ASEAN region and develop capacity building in ASEAN member countries.
In late November and early December 2024, Malaysia and southern Thailand experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread damage, including landslides and agricultural devastation. In Malaysia, 25 districts across seven states were severely impacted, with households evacuated and extensive flooding reported. Similarly, southern Thailand experienced heavy rains and flash flooding, particularly in provinces affecting over 136,000 households. The floods severely damaged agricultural sectors, with significant losses in paddy rice and other crops, amounting to millions of dollars in damages in both countries. In response, both nations initiated emergency measures, including providing aid and conducting damage assessments. Malaysia focused on intensive assistance to affected households, while Thailand mobilized a range of relief efforts, including specialized equipment and emergency vehicles, to support flood-stricken regions. The agricultural losses in both countries highlight the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and more resilient agricultural systems.
The tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines in November 2024, including Yinxing, Oraji, Usagi, and Man-Yi, have caused widespread devastation across several provinces, resulting in heavy rainfall, severe winds, flooding, and significant agricultural damage. These storms have left communities grappling with extensive losses, including damaged crops, disrupted livelihoods, and displacement. Despite the severe impacts, the government of the Philippines, along with international aid from neighboring countries and global partners, has mobilized resources for relief and recovery. The ongoing efforts to assist those affected highlight the resilience of the Filipino people and the importance of continued preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
On 26-27 November 2024, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, the AFSIS Manager, participated in the 30th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30), held in Perth, Australia. This event was co-organized by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The forum's focus was to bring together stakeholders from various space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional issues through space-based solutions.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 22:57 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes, erupted on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, The eruption, lasting 24 minutes (1,450 seconds), was recorded with a massive amplitude of 47.3 mm. According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, a strong eruption sent ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), affecting over 10,000 people. Smaller eruptions followed on November 5-6. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to “Awas” (Level IV), indicating a high danger level.
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