Sustainable Development

Compendium of forgotten foods in Africa: A companion publication for Integrating Africa’s forgotten foods for better nutrition

The “Compendium of Forgotten Foods in Africa”  is a remarkable publication which has emerged to shed light on a treasure trove of forgotten foods scattered across the African continent. This publication serves as a beacon of hope, offering a roadmap for integrating these neglected gems into the culinary landscape for improved nutrition and sustainable development. This Published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this compendium is a testament to

Special Feature: International Day of Forests 2024 - Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.

Forests cover over 30% of the Earth’s land surface and act as our planet’s lungs. They absorb harmful greenhouse gases, regulate climate, and provide vital resources for millions of people. On March 21st, we celebrate the International Day of Forests, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. This year’s theme, “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,” underscores the urgent need for creative solutions to

A call for cases on pluralistic extension and advisory services in Africa

Background Agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS) consist of all the different activities that provide the information and services needed and demanded by farmers and other value chain actors in rural settings to assist them in developing their own technical, organizational and management skills and practices to improve their livelihoods, as well as promote a more sustainable agriculture. The Public EAS systems are commonly facing challenges in terms of accessibility,

September 29: The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

In the heart of Africa, where agriculture forms the lifeblood of communities and the backbone of economies, there exists a paradox. While the continent has vast agricultural potential and is home to diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources, it faces a staggering challenge: food loss and waste. As we mark Food Loss and Waste Day 2023 with the theme “Reducing food loss and waste: Taking Action to Transform Food Systems“,

Q&A on food security and supporting small-scale farmers with IFAD president Alvaro Lario

Farm Radio International’s Executive Director, Kevin Perkins, recently spoke with the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Alvaro Lario. Mr. Lario was in Ottawa during his first visit to Canada. They spoke about how IFAD is supporting small-scale farmers, how climate change is affecting farmers, and how IFAD is engaging communities in finding solutions to the big challenges they face. The following is an edited, abridged transcript

Workshop report: Exchange of experience on successful rice sector development policies in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia

In the pursuit of global food security and sustainable agricultural practices, rice plays a vital role as a staple crop, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Recognizing the significance of rice sector development in these areas, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a momentous regional rice policy workshop titled “Exchange of Experience on Successful Rice Sector Development Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.”

Call for Proposals - FAO Exhibition on Sustainable Livestock Transformation: 25-29 September 2023

Better production, better nutrition, better environment, better life The exhibition aims to showcase success stories from different stakeholders, including FAO and its Members, where they have used innovative solutions and approaches to transform their livestock production systems to make them more sustainable. At the same time, key facts, data and messages will be provided to underline the importance of livestock, the challenges of the sector and possible solutions for building

World Environment Day 2023: Solutions to plastic pollution

On June 5th, the world unites to celebrate World Environment Day (WED), a global initiative established by the United Nations to raise awareness and take action on pressing environmental issues. This year, WED calls for an urgent effort to restore and protect our planet, reminding us that we all play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable future. The theme for World Environment Day 2023 focuses on solutions to plastic

FAO supports a civil society forum as part the participatory process of preparing a national land policy in Chad

On 16 and 17 May 2023, FAO and OXFAM-Chad organized a 2-day forum for 150 civil society participants to prepare their recommendations for the national land policy under preparation in Chad. The forum brought together civil society actors from the 23 provinces of the country, including peasants and pastoralist organizations, women and youth representatives, as well as paralegal associations. The workshop was part of the participatory process of preparing the land