Publications

In 2003, FAO launched an on-line searchable database called FAO-BioDeC, providing information on biotechnology products/techniques in use or in the pipeline in developing countries (including countries with economies in transition). This report by Z. Dhlamini, C. Spillane, J.P. Moss, J. Ruane, N. Urquia and A. Sonnino, provides a first analysis of about 2,000 crop-sector entries from 71 developing countries contained in the database as of 31 August 2004. Entries cover genetically modified (GM) crops and non-GM biotechnologies (such as micropropagation, molecular markers, diagnostics (e.g. ELISA) and microbial techniques).

Agricultural biotechnology is a national priority and following ratification of a national agricultural biotechnology programme, implemented in 2001-2005, a national commission was established to address issues of biotechnology and biosafety policy.

This paper analyses the main trends foreseen for developments in African agriculture, food and nutrition, inputs and natural resource use, and also the challenges emanating from the trends. It discusses the role of research and technology dissemination and adoption as key elements that need to be incorporated into a long-term, sustainable, strategy for the agricultural development of Africa. Finally, the last section highlights the main components that require more short-term, immediate actions and investments to avert food insecurity in Africa.

Ce livre contient Volume I: Aux sources de l’agriculture africaine: de la préhistoire au Mmoyen âge.

FAO has developed an inventory of plant biotechnology products and techniques in use or in the pipeline in developing countries. The inventory has been compiled and organized into a searchable online database called the FAO Biotechnology In Developing Countries Database (FAO-BioDeC). This document summarizes and analyses the information contained in the database as of 31 August 2004. The database was set up to provide developing countries with accurate information on biotechnology activities, as FAO recognizes the role that biotechnology can play in augmenting agricultural production when properly integrated with other technologies.

This publication presents ten case studies on Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems for Rural Development (AKIS/RD), a concept and practice that hold much promise for advancing agricultural, rural development and national economies. These studies, conducted to gain insight into the operations of AKIS/RD and the countries’ efforts at integrating them, show the importance of formulating an AKIS/RD policy to promote development of the agricultural knowledge triangle of AKIS systems and encourage many main actors to interact with each other for their mutual benefit in advancing agricultural and rural development.

This paper, firstly, analyzes the main global trends and challenges foreseen for developments in agriculture, food, nutrition and trade; secondly, it examines the role of scientific research and technology in dealing with the various challenges and opportunities and, finally, it discusses paradigm shifts, policy adjustments and strategies for harnessing science, technology and knowledge towards enhanced and sustained agrarian prosperity.

Dans le cadre de l’effort mondial entrepris pour améliorer les systèmes d’information et de connaissances agricoles (AKIS), la FAO a commandé un certain nombre d’études sur les AKIS nationaux, dans chacune de ses cinq régions géographiques. L’étude AKIS pour la Lituanie a été achevée en 2002 et a montré un développement rapide des éléments du système au cours de la première décennie d'indépendance de la Lituanie. Au titre du suivi de cette étude et en réponse à une requête antérieure d’assistance en matière de programmes d’éducation supérieure relatifs à l'environnement, un atelier a été organisé pour identifier quelques uns des ...read more

This publications provides information about buffalo species throughout the world and explores their importance for the livelihoods of many rural families in developing countries. The publication illustrates the buffalo's importance as a draught animal, but also its role as a source of meat, horns, skin and the rich milk that provides creams, butter, yoghurt and many cheeses.

Une étude sur 'l'évaluation des besoins pour le renforcement des capacités en information et en communication pour améliorer l'agriculture dans trois pays d'Europe de l'est : Roumanie, Croatie et ancienne république yougoslave de Macédoine' – commandée par la FAO et conduite par CG Holt, Université de Reading, UL – a évalué les infrastructures en TIC et leurs applications pour la recherche agricole, dans cinq organisations agricoles macédoniennes et chez leurs partenaires. La plus grande partie des terres arables de Macédoine (environ 80%) est cultivée par de petits exploitants agricoles (la taille des exploitations est de 1,3 ha en moyenne). Le reste ...read more