FAO appoints new representative for JA, The Bahamas and Belize

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has appointed Dr. Ana Touza as its new representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Belize. According to an FAO press release, Dr. Touza, a rural sociologist and gender specialist, brings over 20 years of expertise in international development, with a proven record in research, policy development, and program execution throughout Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. She takes over from Dr. Crispim Moreira.

On April 16, 2025, Dr. Touza officially commenced her role in Jamaica by presenting her credentials to Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, marking the start of her diplomatic activities in the country.

The FAO reports that during their meeting, Minister Johnson Smith and Dr. Touza explored ways to promote inclusive, climate-resilient, and technology-driven agricultural practices in Jamaica and the region, emphasizing youth involvement, women’s empowerment, and innovative approaches such as vertical farming and aquaculture.

In her new role, Dr. Touza will spearhead FAO’s efforts to collaborate with the Jamaican government and key stakeholders to enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen climate resilience within Jamaica.

Originally from Argentina, Dr. Touza holds a PhD in Social Sciences from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO), a Master’s degree in Development from Erasmus University in the Netherlands, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Argentina. She has also taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels, shared the FAO.

The press release also states that her professional journey includes positions with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Honduras and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Honduras, Mozambique, and Panama. At WFP, she coordinated a regional initiative spanning nine countries to integrate small-scale farmers into agricultural value chains.

The organization stated that Dr. Touza has investigated the social marginalization of peasants, the disparities in rural development, and the experiences of Maya, Miskito, and Lenca women throughout Central America. Additionally, she conducted research for the Gender Economic Profile of Central America.

Between 2019 and 2025, Dr. Touza held the position of FAO Representative in Cabo Verde, where she advocated for projects focused on sustainable agriculture, food systems, and improving rural livelihoods.

Welcoming Dr. Touza’s appointment, the FAO indicated that it “comes at a critical time as FAO continues to support national efforts across the Caribbean to build climate resilience, strengthen food security and advance inclusive rural development.”