Genetic diversity provides the fundamental basis for the evolution of forest species and for their adaptation to change. Conserving forest genetic resources (FGR) is therefore vital as they constitute a unique and irreplaceable resource for the future. At its Eleventh Regular Session, the FAO Commission on genetic resources for food...

This report documents a process to encourage learning and sharing practical knowledge between Global Environmental Fund (GEF) recipients of national Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) development grants to address land degradation, climate change, biodiversity and international water issues in six countries. The goal of the process is to help disseminate...

It is in the mandate of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as stated in Article 1 of its constitution, “to collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information related to nutrition, food and agriculture”. Within this framework, in 1993 FAO launched a programme known as AQUASTAT, its...

This issue of Caravan looks to the field to present approaches and examples that have been developed through our research with partners in many dryland countries, and can be deployed to benefit smallholder farmers in many more locations. These technologies bring resistance to drought, temperature extremes, or diseases that damage and...

This issue of Caravan describes the new program, and some of the research innovations it will build on. The issue begins with two ‘opinion pieces’ by scientists from partner organizations in the CRP. They share lessons learnt from past successes (and failures), and ideas that could be applied to dryland systems...

This paper provides information on the current status of the agricultural extension systems in Central Asia (CA), with special reference to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The report reviews the existing extension strategies, donor- and state-driven initiatives to revitalize the agricultural extension systems, informal linkages that nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play in...

In close cooperation with the German Development Service (DED) and the Centre for  international Migration and Development (CIM) a number of projects have been carried out in recent years, ranging from direct support of communities to the promotion of trans-border cooperation and regional partnerships. The successes of the initial years...

The Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC) region consists of five countries in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and three in the South Caucasus (Armenia Azerbaijan and Georgia). The eight countries of the region attained independence after the breakdown of the former Soviet Union in 1991, and...

Central Asia consists of five ‘transition’ economies (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and covers 399.4 million hectares (Mha), about two-thirds of which are drylands. Developing sustainable land management options in this region must take into account the biophysical constraints (low rainfall, extreme rainfall variability, and heat and cold stresses),...

The present FAO Crop and Grassland Service working paper is a joint report on the experiences of two FAO Technical Cooperation Projects in Uzbekistan: ►FAO/TCP/UZB/2903-3102/A Sustainable agriculture practices in the droughtaffected region of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, operating from February 2004 to September 2007. The project consisted of two phases: TCP/UZB/2903 (2004/2005) and...

The history of Central Asia reveals a complex patchwork of tribes, ethnicities and nations bound together in a struggle to survive in some of the region’s most harsh and unforgiving lands. Only those who knew the secrets of living in harmony with their environment were able to survive and eventually...

This issue of Caravan provides examples of ICARDA's work with its partners to help ensure sustainability of livelihoods for the poor in marginal areas.

This issue of Caravan chronicles ICARDA’s efforts in developing a research strategy and a need-based research program for the CAC region. In doing so, ICARDA played a major role in bringing together all partners, most importantly donors. The article on page 8 traces the history of this effort and provides...