Family farming
The majority of the rural poor are family farmers who depend on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. Family farmers are an integral part of territorial networks and local cultures, and spend their incomes mostly within local and regional markets, generating employment opportunities in agriculture and rural areas. For these reasons, they are key to boosting local economies and accelerating progress towards a world free from poverty and hunger. FAO supports family farmers in increasing their yields and incomes while helping them adopt sustainable agricultural practices and become more resilient to climate change. As part of these efforts, FAO produces evidence on the characteristics and needs of smallholders, to inform policy making and support governments in the design of effective rural development strategies to end poverty and hunger.
FAO’s Smallholders dataportrait
The Smallholders Dataportrait is a comprehensive, standardized and easy-to-access data set that provides an overview of the characteristics of smallholders across different countries and regions. It includes information on smallholders’ income diversification strategies, labour allocation, and market access among others. By understanding the constraints that smallholders face, the data set can support policy makers as they choose the best policy options to address the needs of small farmers and help them increase their productivity and standard of living.
Access the dataportrait here
The World Agriculture Watch
The World Agriculture Watch (WAW) initiative aims to identify and understand the diversity of family farms, their constraints and characteristics to inform policy dialogue. It provides countries with a common framework and technical assistance to classify the different types of farms. This information is used to facilitate decision-making and the adoption of agricultural policies that address the needs of different farm categories, from small, poor family-based farms to large corporation or enterprises. The WAW is also a platform to raise awareness on agricultural diversity and rural transformations through publications, a dedicated website, and events.
Access the WAW platform here
Farmer’s registries
Farmer’s registries are database that help establish legal recognition of farmers. They can be used to provide targeted agricultural services and social assistance to the poorest ones. FAO works with countries to support the development of a legislative and institutional framework for establishing farmer’s registry on a national scale, to ensure access to agriculture and social services, social security and assistance benefits for farmers and rural workers.