SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR FOOD SECURITY
Undernourishment is one of the direct manifestations of poverty, with hunger affecting both health and well being, as well as the ability to be productive.
The main objective of the 1996 World Food Summit was to eradicate hunger in all countries with the immediate goal of halving the number of undernourished people by 2015. The Summit underlined that food security exists when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
As a consequence of the above mentioned, the Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS), launched in 1994 by FAO. It assists countries in reaching the objective of achieving food security. The SPFS rapidly expanded in subsequent years particularly after the 1996 World Food Summit.
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KEY-FACTS · National ownership · People’s participation · Technology transfer · Needs and opportunities based approach · Gender sensitivity and social equity · Economic and environmental sustainability · South-South Cooperation |
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KEY-FIGURES 66 operational countries:
23 SSC Agreements signed |
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OBJECTIVE The main objective of the SPFS is to help the developing countries, in particular the Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), to improve food security both at household and at national levels
The underlying assumption is that in most of the 82 LIFDCs viable and sustainable means of increasing food availability exist but are not realized because of a range of constraints that prevent farmers from responding to needs and opportunities. By working with farmers and other stakeholders to identify and resolve such constraints - whether they are of a technical, economic, social, institutional or policy nature - and to demonstrate on the field practical ways of increasing production, the SPFS should open the way for improved productivity and broader food access. |
| SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR FOOD SECURITY COMPONENTS SPFS emphasises four inter-related and complementary areas of activity or components: water control, crop intensification, diversification, and constraints analysis. Water Control
Intensification
Diversification
Constraints Analysis
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PARTNERSHIPS The SPFS is also a vehicle for collabouration between FAO and its development partners. Where concrete agreements are reached, joint missions are organized at the formulation stage as well as during the implementation process to monitor progress and ensure the achievement of SPFS objectives A number of bilateral, multilateral donors, governments and NGOs support SPFS activities in countries where the Programme is already underway, as well as the formulation of the programme in newly participating countries. Increasing support is also arriving through Unilateral Trust Fund agreements, whereby recipient Governments provide funding for their SPFS through FAO. The number of donors and activities in which they are involved has been steadily increasing. |
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SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION The South-South cooperation initiative was launched by FAO in 1996 within the framework of the SPFS. Its objective is to allow the recipient countries to benefit from the experience and expertise of more advanced developing countries. The South-South cooperation approach is for more advanced developing countries to agree to send field technicians and experts to specific recipient countries for two to three years, to work directly with rural communities of farmers involved in the Special Programme. The South-South cooperation initiative is based on solidarity and partnership between the parties concerned: cooperating country, host country, and possibly a donor (bilateral or multilateral), with FAO facilitating the whole process. |
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION SPFS information SPFS World Food Summit Agriculture Forestry Fisheries Sustainable Development Gender and Food Security GUIDELINES AND PUBLICATIONS Guidelines, SPFS publications and brochures are available on the SPFS intranet-site. In addition SPFS videos are available at the Special Programmes Management Service, Technical Cooperation Department, FAO Headquarters. |
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CONTACTS Chief E-Mail: [email protected] |
IMPROVING NUTRITION AND FOOD QUALITY
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES Global situation: undernutrition, basic services and poverty
Global situation: major nutrition issues
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THE ISSUE: Today, over 800 million people in the developing world are chronically undernourished. During seasonal food shortages and in times of famine and social unrest, this number increases. Nearly 13 million children under five years of age die every year from preventable diseases and infections such as measles, diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia, or from some combination of these. According to some estimates, malnutrition is a factor in one-third of these cases Malnutrition, in the form of deficiencies of iron, iodine and vitamin A, continues to cause severe illness or death for millions of people world-wide. Many of the most severe health consequences of these three leading micronutrient deficiencies, such as mental retardation and cretinism (iodine deficiency), physical growth retardation and impaired reproductive functions (iron deficiency), and childhood blindness (vitamin A deficiency), could be greatly alleviated by ensuring adequate food supplies and varied diets that provide essential vitamins and minerals. In many developing countries, as much as 50 percent of the population may be affected by such deficiencies. Various other micronutrient deficiencies, caused by lack of zinc, selenium and other trace elements, affect large numbers of people in some parts of the world. Outbreaks of classical deficiency diseases - beriberi, pellagra and scurvy - still occur in refugee camps and among other deprived populations, and rickets affects significant number of children. At the same time, diet-related non-communicable diseases - such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and some forms of cancer - are emerging increasingly as public health problems in the industrialised, as well as the developing countries. |
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THE SOLUTION: Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, remarkable progress has been made in increasing the quantity and quality of global food supplies and in improving the nutritional status of populations. Yet, one out of five people in the developing countries is unable to meet his or her basic daily nutritional needs for a healthy and active life. Millions more are exposed to contaminated food and water. Access to sufficient supplies of a variety of safe, good-quality foods is a serious problem in many countries, even where food supplies are adequate at the national level. If progress in meeting the food needs and food demands of the world population continues at the current rate, more than 600 million people will still be undernourished and food insecure in the first quarter of the new millennium. What needs to be done to accelerate progress and to create the necessary conditions in which all people can secure their right to food and be well nourished in a dignified and sustainable manner? Clearly, the solution depends on the effective preparation, implementation and co-ordination of a wide range of well-targeted agricultural, social, economic, development and trade policies. In addition, such national and sectoral policies must be complemented by specific programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening the provision of services in, inter alia, agricultural extension, education, water development, sanitation and health care, while also empowering communities and vulnerable households and groups so that they can better participate in and benefit from the development process. Expanding and diversifying the foods available in local markets and food deficient areas, increasing and stabilising the incomes and household food supplies of the poor, improving hygiene and environmental sanitation, and expanding the knowledge and skills needed to adequately care for and feed the family are among the prime objectives that a “people-centred” development must achieve. |
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THE FAO RESPONSE THROUGH THE FOOD AND NUTRITION DIVISION (selected actions and publications) Identify the poor, food insecure and malnourished: Nutrition Assessment; FIVIMS; contributions to SOFI
Evaluate food supplies: Food Composition Databases Develop comprehensive policies/plans for improving nutrition: ICN follow-up, promote formulation of National Plans of Action for Nutrition
Promote Household Food Security and Community Nutrition Programmes: support multisectoral Community Nutrition projects and/or components of projects;
Respond more effectively to natural disasters and complex emergencies by protecting and promoting nutrition in emergency responses: participation in emergency assessments; develop and support appropriate responses
Nutrition Education and Training: promoting food-based dietary guidelines; nutrition education in schools; nutrition education for the public
Food and Nutrition Communication:
Protecting the Quality and Safety of Food: Secretariat of the CODEX Alimentarius Commission; risk assessment and management; strengthening national food control systems; liaison with World Trade Organization
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CONTACTS Food and Nutrition Division Chief, Planning, Assessment Chief, Food Quality and Standards Chief, Nutrition Programmes Website: |
THE WORLD AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION CENTRE (WAICENT)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and its 180 Members highlight information as one of the priority areas in fighting hunger and achieving food security. As a result, FAO established the World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT) for agricultural information management and dissemination, in an effort to fight hunger with information. WAICENT is FAO’s strategic programme for improving access to essential documents, statistics, maps and multimedia resources to millions of users around the globe.
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES WAICENT’s vast information includes:
Today, WAICENT is one of the world’s most comprehensive sources of agricultural information, providing access to the accumulated knowledge and expertise of FAO, improving the capacities of decision-makers, professionals and the public-at-large to obtain and use information essential for achieving sustainable agriculture development and helping to combat hunger. |
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IMPROVING ACCESS TO INFORMATION WAICENT offers a vast array of information that is organized and linked to facilitate user access. A point of entry to this information is the WAICENT Information Finder, an online search tool that allows the user to navigate through WAICENT according to several criteria. The Information Finder is a key tool for managing and disseminating the Organization’s information. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION The FAO Virtual Library brings a wealth of information to electronic desktops around the world, using state-of-the-art technologies for managing and disseminating FAO documentation. As the primary digital archive used to support the work of FAO and its technical publications, the Virtual Library’s central element is a set of Web links, databases and print and electronic resources that consolidate FAO in its role as a Centre of Excellence, maintaining the technical quality of the Organization’s work plan and its institutional memory. SETTING STANDARDS FOR SUCCESSFUL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT For over 20 years, FAO has been setting standards in information management in agricultural development and food security for documentation, spatial and geo-referenced data in FAO’s subject areas. WAICENT works with FAO’s Member Nations and other partners to develop and disseminate global standards and procedures for agricultural information management and exchange. Currently, new initiatives are underway to create improved standards for the exchange of information between different information providers, such as the use of “Metadata” - Information about Information. PROVIDING TOOLS TO MANAGE AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION WAICENT addresses the importance of information publishing and easy access through the development of various Web-based tools, such as mapping systems, Web applications for the collection of “metadata”, templates for the creation of electronic documents, search engines and harvesting data. By working with partners, WAICENT makes available information management systems for use by institutions in Member Nations. These systems include:
ACCESS TO ALL FAO’s WAICENT Internet portal offers a unique and unlimited capacity to disseminate information to millions of users around the world. As part of its efforts to expand access to WAICENT, especially in Member Nations where the Internet is not yet widely available, many of WAICENT’s specialised information systems are also available on CD-ROMs: FAOSTAT, AGRIS, CARIS, Gender and Food Security, and Combating Desertification, among others. CAPACITY BUILDING IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: RESOURCES AND TRAINING The WAICENT Outreach Programme works closely with stakeholders in Member Nations and the international community associated with agricultural development and food security. Through partnerships, the Programme assists in developing facilities and networks for access to and sharing of information. Improving efficiency, quality and relevance of knowledge exchange are key areas, as is communication using electronic media. Activities include:
WAICENT staff in the FAO regional and subregional offices are also crucial in implementation of the WAICENT Outreach Programme and in promoting collabouration with agencies and institutions. INTERGOVERNMENTAL PROCESS The Consultation on Agricultural Information Management (COAIM) is an intergovernmental process for FAO’s Member Nations to discuss and set policies related to management of, and access to agricultural information. This process was established recognizing the key role that information and knowledge play in ensuring food security and sustainable development. Through COAIM, FAO Member Nations also establish a global framework for prioritizing WAICENT activities. |
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION www.fao.org/waicent |
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CONTACTS Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, |
FORESTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES · Food from trees and from the forest are regular items in African diet · Tress and shrubs contributr and are essential to the sustainability and productivity of a number of farming system · Tress, shrubs and grasses contribute directly to maintaining or restoring soil fertility, which contributes to food security |
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THE CURRENT SITUATION The Issues Under utilization of trees and forest resources for food and nutrition in Africa due to:
Potential solutions
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THE OBJECTIVES Global Objectives
Specific Objectives
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TECHNICAL CONTENTS
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FIELD EXPERIENCE: · Forest Resources Development Programme: Trees outside forest. FAO/Netherland programme. Focal point Mr. Syaka Sadio
· Forestry and Food Security in the Sahel (Burkina Faso/Mali/Cape Verde). FAO/Italy project. Focal point Mr. El-Hadji Sène · International Year of Mountain 2001 (IYM). Focal point Mr. Douglas McGuire |
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION · Forestry Dept. Web site: http://www.fao.org/forestry/Forestry.asp · Forestry Resource Assessment: http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/fra/index.jsp · Non Wood Forest Products: http://www.fao.org/forestry/FOP/FOPW/NWFP/nwfp-e.stm · Market Analysis and Development http://www.fao.org/forestry/FON/FONP/cfu/topics/en/mark-e.stm |
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CONTACTS Mr. El-Hadji Sène, Director Mr. Wulf Killmann FAO HQ |
AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY AND GENETIC RESOURCES
Genetic resources for food and agriculture, is the storehouse that provides humanity with food, clothes and medicines. It is essential in the development of sustainable agriculture and food security. During thousands of years, genetic diversity has conferred stability on production. Nowadays, with the industrialization of agriculture, nature may be robbed of this safety mechanism. If the future is not going to be put in jeopardy, ways must be found to conserve genetic resources and make better use of genetic diversity in production systems.
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES In spite of its vital importance for human survival, agricultural biodiversity, including genetic resources for food and agriculture, is being lost at an alarmingly increased rate. It is estimated that some ten thousand species have been used for human food and agriculture. Analysis on a country by country basis shows that 90 percent of human’s basic plant derived calorific or protein intake is provided by no more than 120 cultivated species. 12 crops and 5 animal species alone provide more than 70 percent of these needs. And a mere 4 crops (potatoes, rice, maize and wheat) and 3 animal species (cattle, swine and chickens) provide more than half. However, many more species are needed to ensure a healthy diet with the full complement of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional factors. Many of these are under-utilized species that are neglected in scientific research. Some are being lost. Furthermore, many varieties of the staple food crops are being lost from production. Similar alarming figures can be given for the genetic erosion of domestic animal breeds and varieties. |
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THE CURRENT SITUATION Genetic diversity, constantly subjected to a process of selection and adaptation to the ever changing conditions of the earth, provides the world’s genetic resources. The issue In spite of its vital importance for human survival, agricultural biodiversity is being lost at an alarmingly increased rate. This loss constitutes a serious medium- and long-term threat to world food security. Proposed solutions Ways must be found to conserve genetic resources and make better use of genetic diversity in production systems. Productive natural systems must all be optimally managed in a sustainable manner. This will require the combined application of new and old biotechnologies. Success in this endeavor will depend on the sustainable utilization of a broader range of species, and of the genetic material within each species, including genes from the wild relatives of domesticated species. |
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THE OBJECTIVES To rebuild this agricultural biodiversity, we must:
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THE CONTENTS Sensitize on the importance of biodiversity It is our duty to sensitize populations on the loss of agricultural biodiversity, on the risks of dependence on single species and on unpredictable environmental changes and human needs. Be aware of our moral obligation vis-à-vis coming generations The agricultural biodiversity is a precious inheritance from previous generations, which we have the moral obligation to pass on intact to coming generations and allow them to face unforeseen needs and problems. Foster international cooperation No country on the planet is self-sufficient with respect to the Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the average degree of interdependence among countries with regard to the most important crops is 70%. Paradoxically, the countries which are poorest from the economic point of view tend to be the richest in terms of genetic diversity. International cooperation should ensure that countries continue developing, conserving and making available to humanity their genetic diversity. Build on genetic resources and biotechnology Genetic resources may be considered raw material, while the biotechnologies are the instruments that allow the genetic improvement of crops and farm animals. New and powerful biotechnologies drastically increase the potential of using genetic resources. But regulatory mechanisms, compatible with ethical considerations, need to be developed to maximize the potentials and minimize the risks related to biotechnologies. Insure regulatory mechanisms The industrialized world has developed legal-economic mechanisms, such as intellectual property rights to provide incentives for the development of new biotechnologies and to compensate their inventors. But incentives are also necessary for the developers of the raw material, the genetic resources themselves. An important step in this direction has been the unanimous recognition by FAO Member Countries of Farmers’ Rights, whereby farmers are recognized as donors of genetic resources. Recognize Farmers’ Rights The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which is currently composed of 160 Member Countries, adopted Farmers’ Rights as “rights arising from the past, present and future contributions of farmers in conserving, improving, and making available plant genetic resources, particularly those in the centers of origin/diversity”, with the aim of allowing “farmers, their communities, and countries in all regions, to participate fully in the benefits derived, at present and in the future, from the improved use of plant genetic resources”. The members of the Commission are currently negotiating a revision of an International Undertaking, to allow the regulation of access to genetic resources for food and agriculture, the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits derived from their use and the realization of Farmers’ Rights. This international agreement is hoped to be finalized and adopted by countries during FAO Conference, that is currently taking place (Rome, 2-13 November 2001). It is the inescapable responsibility of our generation to develop ethical solutions to issues and implications mentioned above, within an overall political framework to allow equitable sharing of benefits for all countries, and ensure food and agriculture for future generations. |
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION · The Use of Genetic Diversity in Potatoes by José T. Esquinas-Alcázar International Conference on Ethical Issues arising from the Application of Biotechnology, organized by the Council of Europe, Oviedo, Spain, 16-19 May 1999 · Agricultural Biological Diversity and Farmers’ Rights by José T. Esquinas-Alcázar “World conference on Bioethics”, Gijón, Spain, 20-24 June 2000 · Plant Genetic Resources: A base for food security by José T. Esquinas-Alcázar Review CERES N° 118, Vol. 20, N° 4, July-August 1987 Les ressources phytogénétiques: une base pour la sécurité alimentaire, par José T. Esquinas-Alcázar. Réimpression de la Revue CERES N° 118, Vol. 20, N° 4, juillet-août 1987 · International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. FAO Conference, 31st Session, Rome, 2-13 November 2001 http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/004/Y2095e.htm Engagement international sur les ressources phytogénétiques pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture, Conférence de la FAO, 31eme session, Rome, 2-13 novembre 2001 http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/004/Y2095f.htm |
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CONTACTS Commission on Genetic Resources |
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AND FOOD SECURITY
For small rural farmers production is only half the battle. Not only do they have to grow their crops or rear their livestock but they also have to find markets for them. In some countries in recent years the problem of finding markets has become much greater as a result of the closure of marketing boards. In the past farmers could simply deliver their staple food crops to marketing board depots. Now they have to identify buyers, decide when and where to sell and negotiate prices.
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES Marketing begins before the crop is planted. Decisions about which crops to plant need to be based on which crops can be sold, and at what prices. Farmers growing horticultural crops need to make decisions about when to plant. If they plant when all other farmers are planting they will harvest when all other farmers are harvesting, and get poor prices. On the other hand, if they plant out of season they will probably get higher prices but they will face more difficult growing conditions, more pests and diseases and, as a result, higher production costs. Efficient agricultural marketing promotes food security in a number of ways:
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THE CURRENT SITUATION The main issues faced in guaranteeing food security through efficient marketing are:
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POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
ROLE OF RURAL RADIO STATIONS Rural radio stations could consider the following:
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RESOURCES Publications available from FAO include:
All are available over the Internet or free of charge by writing to Andrew Shepherd, Marketing and Rural Finance Service (AGSM), FAO, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. |
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CONTACTS Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Andrew.Shepherd |
THE POST-HARVEST SECTOR: IS PRODUCTION ALONE SUFFICIENT?
Food security is based on two elements: production and its provision
The crops harvested in one week by one
Person are consumed by a number of people
In the course of a year.
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES The post-harvest sector accounts for 45 percent of the economic value of the agricultural sector in developing countries, as against 80 percent in industrialized nations. When speaking about post-harvest, the notion of loss comes to mind immediately, without considering that this sector plays a crucial role in the preservation and provision of production. It is also a source of employment and income. Most activities are carried out by women. Do they really have the time? Globalization has created a new scenario in which local production is in competition with imported products. Such products must thus be competitive both in terms of quality and price. This is a new challenge that must be faced by local products. |
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OBJECTIVES
THE POST-HARVEST SECTOR COVERS ALL ACTIVITIES FROM THE FIELD TO THE CONSUMER’S PLATE. It is a considerable source of income and employment, perhaps more than the production sector alone. Most activities are performed manually by women.
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FAO PROMOTES THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
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IN-THE-FIELD EXPERIENCE: Manufacturing of metal silos for agricultural use: Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Mauritania, Adaptation or development of specific material: to make easier tasks like threshing, husking and grinding, which are performed by women and that are time and energy-consuming, Consolidation and dissemination of information on post-harvest operations: INPhO computerized platform Development of specific equipment: for neglected products such as fonio or quinoa. |
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
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CONTACTS · AGSI: FAO www.fao.org/inpho |
SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES LIVELIHOODS PROGRAMME, RURAL RADIO & FOOD SECURITY
The twenty-five countries1 of West Africa which are partners in the Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme cover some 350, 000 km2 of floodplains, 80, 000 km2 of lakes, lagoons and reservoirs, and 450, 000 km2 of marine inshore continental shelf and estimated annual yields from marine and inland artisanal fisheries are about 1.1 million and 0.7 million tonnes respectively.
1 Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES There are around 5.3 million men and women in these 25 participating West African countries whose livelihoods depend on the sustainable and responsible use of aquatic resources. Millions more, particularly in remote rural areas, are highly dependent on the nutrition provided by the fisheries of extensive river/floodplain systems. Fish provides 34 percent of the animal protein in the average diet throughout the region, rising to 67 percent in some countries, and even higher in the coastal and inland fishery communities. |
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THE ISSUES · The livelihoods dependent on these aquatic resources are highly vulnerable and the resources themselves in most cases are heavily or even over exploited. This situation is exacerbated by seasonality of production, destructive fishing practices, habitat damage, and conflicts between different fisheries. Laws and regulations may exist but many are either inappropriate or simply not enforced. · Trends in fuel and fishing gear price increases render operations and hence the capture more expensive whilst there is little scope for increasing efficiency. · While not implying that all fishing communities live in poverty, some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities of the region are amongst them. Fishery communities in remote areas generally lack the basic elements of physical and human capital, including access to safe drinking water, clean sanitation, medical facilities, education and communication networks. Proximity to rivers and lakes increases the incidence of water-borne diseases. They also exist at the margins of better-provided urban areas. · Women in the fish-processing industry, conservatively estimated to be around 50 percent of the total workforce, often have to work 15 hours per day to sustain a livelihood. This denies them time with their families and results in poor health from both the amount of physical labour and the poor working conditions currently associated with fish-processing in the region. There are still high levels of product and nutritional loss due to poor processing, transport, storage and insect infestation. There are governance problems for trade in fish products in the region. · Ownership of fisheries operations is dominated by relatively few gear- and boat-owners but the bulk of the labour force comprises poorer labourers. These labourers and women processors are the majority stakeholders in the artisanal fisheries but they currently have limited participation in decision-making processes and information about them. · Ethnic conflict between host communities and migrant foreign fishermen is common, especially when there are perceived or real threats to resources. |
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FAO-SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES LIVELIHOODS PROGRAMME RESPONSE TO THE ISSUES The living conditions, including food security, in these fishing communities can be improved by resource management applied with the guidance of the international Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach where the human resource development is considered paramount, particularly in participatory management for sustainability. This provides a basis for lesson-learning and policy-development in the application of the Code of Conduct for Responsible fisheries to poverty-reduction objectives, as well as for wider dissemination and replication of the results through FAO, within its global mandate. Department For International Development UK has funded a 7 year Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme which is being executed by FAO in partnership with 25 West African countries since October 1999. The Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme has a Programme Coordination Unit located in FAO Fisheries Department, a Regional Support Unit based in Cotonou, Benin and a National Coordination Unit in each of the 25 countries. The Programme to date has assisted 20 small participatory projects with fisheries communities and many more are in the pipeline. These projects mainly aim to enhance the human and social assets within the communities. By 2002, the Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme will begin a series of much larger pilot projects which will try to resolve important fisheries livelihoods issues common to several countries. The Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme is working with partner governments to improve the policies, institutions and processes that would improve governance and communication between communities and local government, and improved cross-sectoral colabouration within governments. Those aspects directly related to fisheries are guided by Code of Conduct For Responsible Fisheries. |
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ROLE OF RURAL RADIO STATIONS The Rural Radio Stations in any or all of the 25 countries could enter into a very productive partnership with Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme to:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION At the Regional Support Unit, the Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme has an Information Unit which is in frequent contact with the Information person in each of the National Coordination Units. This can be an important regular source of topical information which could be broadcasted by Rural Radio. An Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme website will be available by the end of 2001 and the Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme already provides a monthly “InfoFlash” which could be adapted to a script for radio. At present time the InfoFlash is viewable on the FAO Fisheries website: http://www.fao.org/fi/newslet/newslet.asp#SFLP It is noted that in a few countries mobile phone communication is advanced and in some cases fisherfolk have mobile phones. This could permit development of phone-in discussion programmes for Rural Radio though these might unintentionally exclude the poorest. |
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CONTACTS R. Coutts, Sustainable Fisheries B. Horemans, Team Leader, Ib Kollavik-Jensen, Coordinator |
FOOD SECURITY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
More than 800 million people in the world are still undernourished in spite of the commitments made at the World Food Summit (November ‘96) by 185 heads of State and governments to halve that number by 2015.
At the World Summit it was clarified that “Food security exists when all human beings have, at all times, physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and their food preferences, so that they may lead a healthy and active life.”
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES We must combat hunger now and reduce poverty · 800 million people are undernourished in the world · In the 90s, the number of undernourished people decreased by a mere 6 million per year on average (0.7%), mainly in large countries especially in Asia · 70 percent of undernourished population live in rural areas · The world has enough foodstuffs for all, but the most destitute have little access to them |
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THIS DEFINITION ENCOMPASSES THE 4 AREAS OF FOOD SECURITY:
Food security is an integrated concept: These four areas are complementary and interactive. TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY OF POPULATIONS, IT IS NECESSARY FOR: 1. Decision makers in the four areas of food security to accept to cooperate both in the analysis of the situation and in the search for solutions as well as the follow-up of results, especially in the following fields:
2. The public and private sectors and associations, which are partners of food security, to accept to redefine together their respective place, means and responsibilities in this struggle against food insecurity, to avoid duplications of efforts, and ensure the maximum use of available resources (financial, technical, information, human resources, etc.) 3. Financial institutions, donors and governments to accept to invest massively in rural areas in infrastructures, communications, agriculture and rural food industries. 4. Governments to define the struggle against famine and malnutrition as a national priority within the framework of the struggle against poverty. THE FOLLOW-UP OF FOOD SECURITY AND EARLY WARNING AT A NATIONAL LEVEL: The following measures must be taken in order to put in place a national food security follow-up and early warning system:
FIELD EXPERIENCE Chad: The National Food Security Information and Early Warning System (NFSIEWS) Chad has set up an integrated Food Security Information and Early Warning System (NFSIEWS) centralized within a cell that has the following tasks:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Information on the different areas of food security (production, marketing, nutrition etc..) is available on the FAO Web site: www.fao.org |
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CONTACTS FAO Contact Internet: - Global food security concept: - FSIEWS manual: |
THE GLOBAL INFORMATION AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEM ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (GIEWSFA)
How much food is produced in the world? How do food prices evolve on world markets? What is the impact of the El Niño and La Niña meteorological phenomena on food production? Will there be a drought in South Africa this year? Which countries are most affected by food insecurity? In which areas is food aid mainly required? Where are grain surpluses available for local purchasing or triangular operations? FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) has been answering these questions since 1975. The system’s goal is to provide decision makers and analysts with accurate and recent information on all aspects of food supply and demand.
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES The Global Information and Early Warning System (WIEWS):
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THE FACTS The issue As food crises multiply, famine, starvation and malnutrition continue to ravage virtually all regions of the world... Often, food resources are not mobilized in sufficient quantities, or arrive too late to save any lives. War or civil turmoil also hinder aid logistics, thus aid programmes do not always reach those who need them most. Objective information and early warning systems should make it possible to undertake, at the right time and in an appropriate way, initiatives which make it possible to avoid suffering. Proposed Solutions Since 1975, FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System (WIEWS) has been providing decision makers and aid agencies with as accurate and as recent information as possible on all aspects of food supply and demand. For this purpose, WIEWS regularly prepares bulletins on the production and markets of different food crops at an international, sub-regional and national level. It issues warnings when food crises are imminent so as to allow for the planning of interventions. |
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HOW GIEWS OPERATES GIEWS’ work may be broken down into three successive stages. 1) Information Gathering GIEWS follows the status of food crops and food supplies in all regions and countries of the world. It collects as much data as possible on pertinent follow-up indicators: rainfall and agrometeorological data, state of the crops, attacks by pests, follow-up of market prices, nutritional indicators, statistics on imports and food aid, on stocks, consumption levels,... Its sources of information are first of all field data deriving from national meteorology, hydrology and plant protection systems, statistics or, wherever they exist, market information systems and national or regional early warning systems. FAO representations in the various countries are also urged to forward any useful information. GIEWS may also organize field evaluation missions in case of difficult situations or on a regular basis, to evaluate harvests in certain sensitive areas like the Sahel. GIEWS benefits from the technical contribution of a number of other FAO units: the agrometeorology service, the ECLO group on the situation of grasshoppers, the emergency operations service and the remote sensing center. It makes ample use of satellite imaging especially through METEOSAT cloud cover/rainfall estimate images and vegetation index images from NOAA satellites. It also receives information from other United Nations agencies, notably WFP on food aid or HCR on refugees/displaced people. It is in contact with a number of NGOs and research institutions, and is linked to several press agencies. 2) Information Analysis In order to effectively manage all this information, GIEWS has created different data bases. Thanks to funding by the European Commission, it has been able to develop an integrated information system called “GIEWS Work Station “. This Work Station is made up by a set of specific modules, including a grains evaluation management software by country, a map and satellite image display and analysis software, as well as a dispatch management module. It is linked up to a single reference data base on food security at an international, regional, national and local level. These tools enable GIEWS analysts to consult a set of cultural programs, agricultural statistics, administrative charts and population information. Thanks to the satellite image analysis and map superim-position functions of the Work Station, GIEWS specialists can evaluate the weather and crop growing conditions in important food crop or grazing areas. GIEWS has encouraged the use of this Work Station and has disseminated it to national and regional early warning systems, as well as other services and units within FAO, so as to improve the standardization and exchange of data. 3) Information Dissemination GIEWS’ effectiveness lies in the rapidity and quality of its communication system. The system regularly publishes bulletins on the production, consumption and markets of food products at a world level, as well as detailed reports on the situation at a regional or national level. Its main publications are: “Perspectives de l’alimentation” (“Food Perspectives”), “Cultures et pénuries alimentaires” (Food Crops and Shortages”) and “Situation alimentaire et perspectives de récoltes en Afrique subsaharienne” (“Food Scenario and Harvest Perspectives in Sub-Saharan Africa”). Numerous special warnings and reports are also published. Internet and recent advances in information technology have made it possible to speed up the production and distribution of reports. Publications are available free of charge for all institutions and private individuals; they are also available on the Internet at the following address: http://www.fao.org/giews. On-line access to different statistical or map data bases especially through the Geoweb interface at the following address http://geoweb.fao.org., is proposed to complement the bulletins or reports published on a regular basis. The System also meets more specific information requests. |
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION An information brochure illustrates in greater detail the goals and operation of the Global Information and Early Warning System. The Web site (www.fao.org/giews) provides access to the publications and data bases as well as the presentation of the work station. It is also possible to download certain softwares and associated training modules. |
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CONTACTS Global Information and Early |
AGROMETEOROLOGY ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES SERVICE
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KEY-FACTS/KEY-FIGURES · Climate is a resource. Just like soil, it must be known to be optimally managed. · Climate knowledge and techniques can increase and stabilise production, and improve planning for farmers and governments. · Agrometeorology works only if weather people, agricultural extension and the media work together. |
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THE FACTS
Weather Vs Climate
The solution is to know and use climate knowledge
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OBJECTIVES OF THIS FACT SHEET · Global Objective To show how the proper use of weather and climate knowledge can help improve the condition in life of farmers at all levels of technology. · Specific Objective To provide media professionals with examples of applications where “science” can provide useful information that goes beyond traditional and local knowledge. |
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HOW TO USE AGROMETEOROLOGY Three themes are developed
Weather and climate forecasts
Crop forecasts
Advice to farmers: Response farming
Advice to farmers: Themes
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FAO FIELD PROJECTS · All Early Warning for Food Security projects integrate an agrometeorological crop forecasting component. · FAO also assists countries to strengthen national agrometeorological services to better help their farming community (Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, N. Iraq...). |
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION · Agroclimatic concepts http://www.fao.org/sd/EIdirect/agroclim/concepts.htm · Agrometeorological crop forecasting http://www.fao.org/sd/EIdirect/agromet/forecast.htm · El Niño http://www.fao.org/sd/EIdirect/EIan0008.htm or send an email to [email protected] |
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CONTACTS Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, |
