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The following recommendations have been elaborated building upon the main findings of the CFS High Level Panel of Expert’s report on Sustainable agricultural development for food security and nutrition: what roles for livestock? The sustainable development of agriculture, including livestock, is essential for poverty reduction and the achievement of food security and nutrition. The recommendations aim to strengthen the contribution of the livestock sector1 to sustainable agricultural development for food security and nutrition (FSN) and contribute to the progressive realization of the right to adequate food, in the overall context of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, recognizing the [...]

This report addresses the economic, environmental and social dimensions of agricultural development, with the objective of ensuring food and nutrition security, in terms of availability, access, utilization and stability. It focuses on the livestock component of agricultural systems, given the role of livestock as an engine for the development of the agriculture and food sector, and as a driver of major economic, social and environmental changes in food systems worldwide. The report identifies challenges to the achievement of sustainability in livestock systems and possible pathways towards sustainable agricultural development that contribute to current and future food security and nutrition. The report concludes with recommendations for appropriate [...]

Incentives and capacities to invest responsibly are significantly affected by the presence of an enabling environment, including supporting policies, laws and institutions. Governments have requested international guidance on the kind of enabling environment needed to attract and secure responsible agricultural investments at the national level. Many other stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, also seek guidance to design their own strategies to promote responsible investments in agriculture and food systems. While international instruments are an important reference for the CFS‐RAI, implementation and enforcement will be predominantly at the national level, through domestic policies that are aligned with supporting legislation and institutions. A legal and institutional review [...]

Increasing global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human and animal health. It endangers modern human and veterinary medicine and undermines the safety of our food and environment.  The commitment of FAO Members to work on AMR was confirmed by the adoption of Resolution 4/2015 at the Thirty-ninth Session of the FAO Conference in June 2015. This resolution is a call to action to both FAO Members and the Organization itself to address the multifaceted aspects of mitigating both the impact on, and the contribution of, the food and agriculture sectors to the threat posed by Antimicrobial Resistance. This document outlines the FAO Action Plan [...]

The world is increasingly complex and interconnected. International agreement and collective action are needed more than ever before to tackle the many global problems we face. Governance is more than ever a driving concern in FAO’s work and is critical to achieving FAO’s Strategic Objectives. Michael T. Clark, Senior Coordinator of the Governance and Policy Unit, FAO Economic and Social Development Department together with Dr. Irene Hoffmann, Secretary of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture explain the importance of governance at all levels. They describe the FAO policy work, including key policy messages on various areas of [...]

Outbreaks of transboundary animal and plant pests and diseases, including forest pests and aquatic diseases, food safety and radiation events has been increasing over the past years, impacting people’s access to quality food, and putting their livelihoods and health at risk. To address this challenge, FAO established the Food Chain Crisis Management Framework (FCC), an approach combining prevention, preparedness, and response to emergencies affecting the food chain and caused by transboundary animal and plant pests and diseases (including aquatic and forests pests and diseases), food safety and radiological threats.

The report provides a comprehensive assessment of livestock biodiversity and its management. It sets out the latest available information on: The state of livestock diversity Trends in the livestock sector The state of capacity to manage animal genetic resources The state of the art in animal genetic resources management Gaps and needs in animal genetic resources management By the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

This manual is designed guide programme planners in the design of nutrition-sensitive programmes. It is based on a thorough review of experience on nutrition-sensitive Agriculture, was developed through extensive consultation within FAO and with its development partners, and has been field-tested in several countries. It is structured around the first phases of the programming cycle (situation appraisal, programme design and programme review) and includes key questions, accompanied by tips and references. 

Forest genetic resources (FGR) are the heritable materials maintained within and among tree and other woody plant species that are of actual or potential economic, environmental, scientific or societal value. They are crucial to the adaptation and protection of our ecosystems, landscapes and production systems, yet are subject to increasing pressures and unsustainable use. This Global Plan of Action identifies 27 strategic priorities grouped into 4 areas: 1) improving the availability of, and access to, information on FGR; 2) conservation of FGR (in situ and ex situ); 3) sustainable use, development and management of FGR; 4) policies, institutions and capacity-building. Implementation [...]

Fish plays a key role for food security. It is a primary source of protein and essential nutrients. Fisheries, aquaculture and related activities provide income and livelihoods for numerous communities across the world, including small-scale fisheries. The growing demand for fish questions the sustainability of marine fisheries and aquaculture, now a fundamental supplier of fish. The report considers the environmental, social and economic challenges faced by all actors towards a sustainable supply of fish, sustainable livelihoods of fish-dependent communities and an equitable access to fish for the good nutrition of all populations worldwide. It presents policy-oriented analysis and recommendations addressed [...]