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This publication is the outcome of a study carried out in 2009 documenting information service models in rural areas in China. It builds upon a previous study carried out in 2003.  The report describes four information service models and provides an update of progress made in the six years from 2003 to 2009.  The impacts of information services in improving the lives of farmers is analysed, as well as the key constraints to further development and expansion of information services to rural areas . The report concludes with key issues that need to be addressed to move forward in strengthening [...]

New information and knowledge are critical inputs for the practice of agriculture the world over. This is especially true for resource-poor farmers living in rural areas in Asia. Yet most of these farmers are not only resource poor but also information poor. Mobile technology holds great promise in delivering information to resource-poor farmers and as a consequence to improving their livelihoods. The number of mobile connections is presently six billion and growing. There are many examples of mobile-based interventions in agriculture, health, education and rural livelihood projects in Asia. Of these, however, few have moved from the pilot phase to [...]

This book presents the current state of thought on the common path of sustainable diets and biodiversity and addresses the linkages among agriculture, health, the environment and food industries. The alarming pace of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and their negative impact on poverty and health makes a compelling case for re-examining food systems and diets. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop and promote strategies for sustainable diets, emphasizing the positive role of food biodiversity in human nutrition and poverty alleviation. Sustainable Diets are those diets with low environmental impacts which contribute to food and nutrition security and to [...]

Pour être pleinement productifs les petits agriculteurs, pêcheurs, éleveurs et forestiers sont extrêmement dépendant de services qui font grandement défaut en milieu rural dans les pays en développement. C'est le résultat de plusieurs décennies de désintérêt pour le secteur agricole qui s'est traduit par la baisse régulière jusqu'en 2007 du niveau de l'aide internationale au développement agricole et des investissements publics nationaux en faveur de l'agriculture. Différentes formes d'innovations institutionnelles ont vu le jour ces dernières années pour surmonter les nombreuses contraintes qui pèsent sur les petits producteurs en milieu rural. Cette publication présente une série de 35 études de [...]

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Although much has been said about livestock’s role in achieving food security,in reality, the subject has been only partially addressed and no current document  fully covers the topic. Recognizing that food security is central to international development – and to the mandate of FAO - this report tells the story of livestock and food security from three perspectives.  It begins by presenting a global overview, examining the role that livestock play in human nutrition, the world food supply and  access to food particularly for  poor families. Next it moves from the global level to a human perspective, examining the way [...]

The origins of this volume stem from interactions with developing country government offi cials and policy makers on trade-related issues, where it became apparent that there was a need to supplement the debates related to multilateral trade negotiations, and associated trade capacity-building activities, with a clearer understanding and refl ection among policy makers and those seeking to provide policy advice, on the type of agriculture sector trade policy that would be desirable for diff erent developing countries, in boosting their growth and enhancing their food security situation. The perception is that many developing countries are not in a strong position to articulate their strategy for trade negotiations and end up being [...]

It is a simple methodology for teaching vulnerable children and young people  about farming and how to take care of themselves. It uses a “living classroom" approach in which the students observe the crops throughout the growing season  with the help of a facilitator. Agricultural topics are linked to life skills so that when  children talk about how to protect their plants from diseases they also learn how to  protect themselves from diseases and other adverse conditions. The school bui lds  the students’ self-confidence and problem solving skills by having them decide  for themselves what steps are required, for example, [...]

The AIDS epidemic is challenging all aspects of the development agenda. Many of the premises on which development interventions are based are no longer relevant. The disease has decimated sub-Saharan Africa's agricultural labour force and will continue to do so for generations, depleting the region of its food producers and farmers. Not only is the epidemic causing severe reversals in development gains, but it is making ‘typical’ development interventions impractical. Communities’ livelihoods are being permanently eroded and assets depleted with the reoccurring periods of sickness and death that the epidemic brings. Labour, a much valued human asset and the foundation of [...]