Putting mountain development on the map

Covering a quarter of the Earth’s surface, mountain ecosystems are home to 1 in 12 people, rich reservoirs of biodiversity and a major source of global freshwater. Mountain communities are among those most affected by hunger, however. Addressing food insecurity, poverty and sustainable development issues in mountain areas requires coordinated action on multiple fronts.

Published December 2003

Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption becomes a global priority

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and a number of nutritional disorders. Yet most populations are not eating nearly enough. How can people incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets -- and can agriculture grow enough to meet the demand?

Published October 2003

Forests: a life-giving resource

Millions of people around the world depend on forests for food, medicine and extra income. Forests are also rich storehouses of biological diversity, and help sustain agricultural production by moderating climate and maintaining water supplies. FAO's work on forestry issues reflects these complex linkages.

Published September 2003

Trade and agriculture

Price volatility. Farm subsidies. Tariff peaks. Surging food imports. Farmers in the developing world face a number of challenges in today's global economy. At the WTO ministerial meeting in Cancún, Mexico, FAO will be drawing attention to those challenges, their implications for world food security and what can be done.

Published September 2003

Aquaculture: not just an export industry

With capture fisheries at or nearing their capacities, fish farms will have to shoulder an increasing burden in the effort to feed the world's poor and hungry.

Published August 2003

BBC World documentary explores the relationship between HIV/AIDS and food security

As another food crisis hits southern Africa, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is undermining people’s ability to cope -- and, in turn, creating more opportunities for the virus to spread.

Published May 2003

Agricultural biotechnology: will it help?

This series of articles presents background information on genetic engineering in agriculture for the non-specialist -- what it is, how it is being used, how it might be used in the future and the possible benefits and risks.

Published March 2003

More crop per drop

As the International Year of Freshwater, 2003 is an opportunity to focus on the role of water as a precious and finite resource that we must use carefully. To feed an additional 2 billion people by 2030, water needs to be used more efficiently.

Published March 2003

Fishing communities mobilize in 25 West African countries

Through newly formed associations, new partnerships with non-governmental organizations and local institutions, or new livelihood strategies, West African fishing communities are slowly making headway against poverty. FAO’s Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme is the catalyst for an innovative approach to development.