Strategic Development Plan (2004-2023).

The Strategic Development Plan is a national Plan with a sectoral approach and its duration is 20 years from 2004 to 2023. The main objectives of the Strategic Plan are to secure macroeconomic stability and sustainable development; to boost development in agriculture, fisheries and health sectors; and to ensure environmental sustainability and to generate sufficient jobs for the citizens.
The Plan sets out that a developed agriculture sector and increased production in agriculture and fisheries will help to ensure food security in the country. The Plan also provides for community-level awareness programs and initiatives on the nutritional value of local food products and a Nutritional Agriculture Program at schools; a Home Garden Program among women’s groups to reduce food insecurity.
To make agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector more productive the Plan sets forth that the production of traditional farming systems will be increased. Both the production and the consumption of local foods will be increased. The quantity of local products sold in local markets will be increased. The quantity, availability and quality of identified improved planting materials will be increased and nurseries will be established to ensure the boost in agricultural production. An increase in coconut and coconut oil production will be ensured. Environmentally sound and sustainable production will be promoted. The remaining forest cover will be maintained and protected. The development of the fisheries sector will be achieved by ensuring sustainable resource exploitation and protecting marine biodiversity. Development opportunities for the aquaculture sector will be promoted to increase aquaculture production. The İncrease in fishing activities to achieve the increase in fish products will be done by ensuring equipment and safety for small boat fishing, encouraging artisanal fishers and traditional knowledge and fishing methods. The Plan further provides for the monitoring of oceanic resources making sure that they are managed with best practice methodology to ensure harvest levels remain within sustainable parameters.
The Plan sets forth that the growth in the agriculture sector including forestry and fisheries sectors will create jobs and provide cash incomes to rural men and women. The Plan also provides for effective education to rural population. Agriculture extension services will be undertaken by civil society and community groups on contract basis. The rural population will be equipped to improve traditional farming systems to meet growing demand. Sustainable land use and planning in rural and urban areas will be promoted. Commercial agriculture will be presented as a career alternative for disadvantaged youth and thereby the rates of youth migration will be decreased. Women, youth, senior citizens and disabled persons will be empowered and encouraged to be self-reliant individuals and productive members of the society including women and youth in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Increased involvement of citizens and traditional leaders in the process of conserving natural resources will be promoted.
An agreed agriculture and fisheries sector policy document and an investment plan will be signed and implemented by representatives from all sector stakeholders in all States. The role and effectiveness of all stakeholders will be defined and ensured. Private sector funding will be raised and allocated in an equitable manner. Government education funds will be reallocated for agriculture education. Quality agricultural data will be made available on real time basis to all stakeholders including non-government actors. An agricultural data base will be established and maintained. A monitoring system will be established within community extension groups. Traditional farmers will be adequately protected from introduced weeds, pests and diseases. Inspection, fumigation, heat treatment facilities will be constructed in each State. R&D programs will be undertaken and results will be broadly disseminated through extension groups. New food processing and value-adding businesses will be established. Regarding fisheries sector the Plan sets out that all stakeholders and personnel contributing to fisheries and marine resource management will be trained and educated. Inshore and coastal marine resources will be monitored and managed in a consultative and participatory manner that respects traditional practice, will utilize established scientific methodology and will protect biodiversity and resource abundance. The role of the private sector will be increased. Opportunities for foreign investment, joint venture, technology transfer and market development will be evaluated. Commercial aquaculture development will be supported by key infrastructure. A fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance system will be established. In order to ensure environmental protection, renewable energy use will be promoted and waste management systems will be improved.
With the aim of reducing and preventing the environmental degradation due to the negative outcomes of the climate change and all forms of pollution, environmental protection and sustainable development of natural resources will be ensured through the development, adoption and enforcement of policies, laws, and regulations regarding adaptation to climate change; the protection of biological diversity, including assurance of adequate legal and international treaty safeguards relating to the protection of botanical and other agro-ecological property. To this end, the establishment and management of conservation areas and environmental infrastructure planning will be ensured. Preparedness and of relevant government and non-governmental agencies to rapidly respond to emergencies will be increased. An effective biosecurity program will be established.