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Measuring rural poverty with a multidimensional approach: The Rural Multidimensional Poverty Index
04/02/2022

This report presents the results of a collaboration between FAO and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). It proposes a framework for measuring multidimensional poverty in rural areas and describes the motivation for the Rural Multidimensional Poverty Index (R-MPI) proposal. The report also presents an empirical test of...

Drought in the Horn of Africa – Rapid response and mitigation plan to avert a humanitarian catastrophe
18/01/2022

The Horn of Africa is facing the third severe La Niña‑induced drought episode in a decade, and the region is on the verge of a catastrophe if humanitarian assistance is not urgently scaled up. Drought is particularly impacting Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, and exacerbating the humanitarian situation in a region characterized by underlying vulnerabilities and already suffering from the...

Assessment of agricultural plastics and their sustainability: A call for action
17/12/2021

This report presents the results of a study on agricultural plastic products used globally in a range of different value chains. The study assessed the types and quantities of plastic products, their benefits and trade-offs. Sustainable alternative products or practices were identified for products assessed as having high potential to...

Mountain tourism – Towards a more sustainable path
10/12/2021

With their soaring peaks, remote locations, and majestic beauty, mountains have long been a powerful attraction for visitors from all walks of life, who are drawn by the often colorful traditions of local communities, the opportunities for sporting activities, and the spiritual solace to be found in highland landscapes. This study...

The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture – Systems at breaking point
10/12/2021

Satisfying the changing food habits and increased demand for food intensifies pressure on the world’s water, land and soil resources. However, agriculture bears great promise to alleviate these pressures and provide multiple opportunities to contribute to global goals. Sustainable agricultural practices lead to water saving, soil conservation, sustainable land management,...

The State of Food and Agriculture 2021
23/11/2021

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of agri-food systems to shocks and stresses and led to increased global food insecurity and malnutrition. Action is needed to make agri-food systems more resilient, efficient, sustainable and inclusive. The State of Food and Agriculture 2021 presents country-level indicators of the resilience of agri-food systems....

Food Outlook – Biannual Report on Global Food Markets
11/11/2021

Despite generally favourable supply prospects, international prices of most food commodities continue to remain high on robust trade with demand holding firm. Larger imports and soaring freight costs are expected to push up the world food import bill to over USD 1.75 trillion in 2021, a rise of 14 percent...

Renewable Energy and Agri-food Systems: Advancing Energy and Food Security towards the SDGs
04/11/2021

IRENA and FAO have decided to jointly develop a report on the role of renewable energy used in food chains to advance energy and food security as well as climate action towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. While energy has a key enabling role in...

World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2021
03/11/2021

This publication offers a synthesis of the major factors at play in the global food and agricultural landscape. Statistics are presented in four thematic chapters, covering the economic importance of agricultural activities, inputs, outputs and factors of production, their implications for food security and nutrition and their impacts on the...

Rural poverty analysis: From measuring poverty to profiling and targeting the poor in rural areas
27/10/2021

Reducing rural poverty is a key objective of FAO. To achieve this, the Organization must reach the poor in rural areas, analysing their needs and aspirations and providing effective guidance for the design of policies and investments that foster inclusive and sustainable development. This guide was developed to strengthen FAO’s work...

Social protection and migration: Synergies in action to improve resilience and reduce poverty in rural areas
19/10/2021

The relationship between social protection, migration, and rural development is critical to the FAO mandate to end hunger for all. In its capacity as an organization working across emergency and development contexts, FAO is well positioned to promote the synergies that exist at the intersection of social protection and migration...

Desert locust upsurge: Progress report on the response in the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen (May–August 2021)
19/10/2021

The fight against desert locust continues in the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen, now raging for 20 months – since January 2020. Collective efforts from governments, FAO and partners are proving extremely effective in controlling this upsurge, which is the worst to hit the region in 70 years. Thanks to generous contributions from...

Actions of Indigenous youth in local food systems during times of adversity
30/09/2021

This publication highlights six initiatives from indigenous youth in regions around the world who are leading innovative solutions and collaborations in the face of adversity brought about by climate change and exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The youth initiatives describe how grassroots groups, networks, and platforms established by Indigenous...

Review of forest and landscape restoration in Africa 2021
29/09/2021

This report assesses the current implementation of forest and landscape restoration (FLR) in Africa. It presents the context for FLR on the African continent, highlights major FLR initiatives, and provides an overview of FLR in Africa at the start of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). It identifies key...

Guidance on core indicators for food systems: Measuring the private sector's contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals
20/09/2021

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) acknowledged that the world is off-track to meet the SDGs. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic deepens the challenge. FAO counts on the private sector as a key strategic partner. Given FAO’s role as custodian agency for 21 SDG indicators, it was important to identify how FAO could support...