Global Forum on Food Security and NutritionA global knowledge sharing network facilitated by
the Agricultural Development Economics Division of FAO

Communities use knowledge that is passed from generation to generation to prepare their food. Each technique and has its very peculiar implications on the socio-economic dynamics of a typical rural household. Can we consider indigenous methods of food preparation as a viable means for achieving food security and nutrition in rural poor communities?

What are the ingredients of successful agribusiness initiatives for small-scale farmers in developing countries? How to face the numerous challenges in supporting farmers willing to market their products further down the supply chain?

How can we make the best use of agricultural technology to achieve food security? Is there still a role for older technologies and for traditional approaches? Or embracing industrial production systems should be the way forward?
Peter Steele from FAO Cairo is raising this topic inviting members and anyone interested to share their views. At the background of the debate lies the African context, where the challenges and potentials are huge and where, unlike Asia, a green revolution, with its pros and cons, never took place.

 

Can Livestock Keepers' Rights help in improving food security of people living in marginal lands? Evidence of the importance of small-scale livestock production systems making use of uncultivable lands and crop is strong; should they be given prominence over commercial producers, producing large amounts of cheap animal protein based on imported breeds and imported feed?

With different partners, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) is committed to the World Urban Forum V (WUF V). The WUF V will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 22 to 26 March. Its theme is: “The Right to the City, Bridging the Urban Divide”. Food and agriculture issues are at stake as they are a growing concern as well as a part of the solution.

UNDP Burundi is assisting the government with several initiatives that aim to create jobs for people in the rural areas. The key strategy that has been identified is adding value to agricultural products through agro-processing. A key step in the process is to have access to affordable packaging. Unfortunately there are no packaging facilities in Burundi.