News archive 2011

In 2011 volatile food prices and famine in East Africa focused world attention on issues of food and agriculture. As FAO rallied international support for long-term steps for reducing vulnerability in the Horn of Africa, it was active on other fronts as well. One spot of good news: the eradication of rinderpest, a livestock disease that had plagued farmers for ages. 2011 also saw the launch of FAO’s "Save and Grow" model for increasing food production and a new report on how the gender gap in agriculture handicaps millions of women farmers and undermines the fight against hunger.

With financial support from the European Union, FAO has assisted Mozambique in stepping up quality seed production to increase crop yields, something that is crucial to unlocking the country’s vast agricultural potential.

FAO and the International Labor Organization have released the first draft of a guidance document that aims to help policymakers and government authorities tackle the thorny issue of child labor in fisheries. Most experts agree that child labor in fishing is a widespread problem. But specifics are lacking — statistics on child labor are often lump fisheries, forestry, agriculture and livestock-raising together. Combined, child workers in these four sectors are estimated to account for 60 percent of the world's 215 million under age laborers.

A new FAO study released today shows how plants and fruits from Amazonian forests can be used to improve people’s diets and livelihoods. The book — which is written in easy-to-grasp, accessible language — seeks to bring knowledge out of the academy and into the hands of people. It was unveiled today during a ceremony at FAO marking the close of the International Year of Forests.

By 2050 an expanded world population will be consuming two thirds more animal protein than it does today, bringing new strains to bear on the planet's natural resources, according to a new FAO report, "World Livestock 2011." Meat consumption is projected to rise nearly 73 percent by 2050, it says, and dairy consumption will grow 58 percent over current levels.

Striking at one of the core issues affecting agriculture and food security worldwide, the findings of a working paper by FAO and Transparency International in more than 61 countries show that weak governance has increased the likelihood of corruption in land tenure and administration, and is intensifying the impact of pressures on land use.

The integrity and resilience of mountain forests is under threat from increasing temperatures and wildfires, population growth and food and fuel insecurity, warns FAO in its new publication "Mountain Forests in a Changing World" released today in the lead up to the UN International Mountain Day on 11 December.

The Fourth Annual Global South-South Development Expo (GSSD Expo) concluded Friday at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome having spotlighted and showcased over 100 partnerships and solutions to poverty challenges that have been developed by developing countries themselves.

The FAO Food Price Index in November was virtually unchanged from its October level. At the new level of 215 points, the Index was 23 points below its peak in February 2011 but still two points above its level in November 2010. New FAO figures also confirm a record level of world cereal production of 2 323 million tonnes for 2011, representing a 3.5 percent increase on 2010 production.

In a growing trend towards cooperation among countries of the global South, developing countries are putting more financial and technical muscle behind initiatives to help each other improve food security, as evidenced by new agreements fostered by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) among some of its member countries.