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FAO Newsroom RSS
News from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization
Copyright 2009 FAO
Somalia famine ends, but situation still dire
The United Nations has declared an end to famine conditions in Somalia but with recurrent droughts in the Horn of Africa hunger remains a threat unless long-term measures are taken to restore food security. The number of people in need of emergency humanitarian assistance in Somalia has dropped from 4 million to 2.34 million, 31 percent of the population.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:00:00 GMT
Green investments in the marine sector can bring tide of economic and social benefits
Healthy seas and coasts would pay healthy dividends in a green economy, according to new report by the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, FAO and other partners. The report, "Green Economy in a Blue World," highlights the huge potential for economic growth and poverty eradication from well-managed marine sectors.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT
Cooperatives central to hunger fight
Cooperatives and producer organizations will be increasingly important in efforts to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty around the world, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva told participants at the 2012 Thematic Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT
FAO-EC project to promote climate-smart farming
FAO and the European Commission announced today a new €5.3 million project aimed at helping Malawi, Vietnam and Zambia transition to a "climate-smart" approach to agriculture. The project will look closely at three countries and identify challenges and opportunities for climate-smart agriculture and produce strategic plans tailored to each country's own reality.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT
FAO Food Price Index ends year with sharp decline
Food prices fell in December 2011 with the FAO Food Price Index dropping 2.4 percent, or five points, from November. At its new level of 211 points, the Index was 11.3 percent (27 points) below its peak in February 2011. However the Index averaged 228 points in 2011 - the highest average since FAO started measuring international food prices in 1990.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT
New FAO Chief moves on global eradication of hunger
Two days after taking over, FAO's new Director-General José Graziano da Silva told his inaugural press conference that there was no time to lose and that working towards the total elimination of hunger and undernourishment from the world will be his top priority.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT
José Graziano da Silva, new FAO Director-General
José Graziano da Silva has formally taken the helm of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The new Director-General is pushing for a renewed focus on food security, offering to scale up FAO support available to low-income and food deficit countries - especially those facing protracted crises. He will hold his first press conference as Director-General on 3 January.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT
2011 in review
In 2011 volatile food prices and famine in East Africa focused world attention on issues of food and agriculture. As FAO rallied international support for long-term steps for reducing vulnerability in the Horn of Africa, it was active on other fronts as well. One spot of good news: the eradication of rinderpest, a livestock disease that had plagued farmers for ages. 2011 also saw the launch of FAO’s "Save and Grow" model for increasing food production and a new report on how the gender gap in agriculture handicaps millions of women farmers and undermines the fight against hunger.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Mozambique: Better seeds for better crops
With financial support from the European Union, FAO has assisted Mozambique in stepping up quality seed production to increase crop yields, something that is crucial to unlocking the country’s vast agricultural potential.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT
FAO and ILO partnering on child labor in fisheries
FAO and the International Labor Organization have released the first draft of a guidance document that aims to help policymakers and government authorities tackle the thorny issue of child labor in fisheries. Most experts agree that child labor in fishing is a widespread problem. But specifics are lacking — statistics on child labor are often lump fisheries, forestry, agriculture and livestock-raising together. Combined, child workers in these four sectors are estimated to account for 60 percent of the world's 215 million under age laborers.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Book on Amazon plants puts science in the hands of people
A new FAO study released today shows how plants and fruits from Amazonian forests can be used to improve people’s diets and livelihoods. The book — which is written in easy-to-grasp, accessible language — seeks to bring knowledge out of the academy and into the hands of people. It was unveiled today during a ceremony at FAO marking the close of the International Year of Forests.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT
Major gains in efficiency of livestock systems needed
By 2050 an expanded world population will be consuming two thirds more animal protein than it does today, bringing new strains to bear on the planet's natural resources, according to a new FAO report, "World Livestock 2011." Meat consumption is projected to rise nearly 73 percent by 2050, it says, and dairy consumption will grow 58 percent over current levels.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Corruption undermining land access, development
Striking at one of the core issues affecting agriculture and food security worldwide, the findings of a working paper by FAO and Transparency International in more than 61 countries show that weak governance has increased the likelihood of corruption in land tenure and administration, and is intensifying the impact of pressures on land use.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Mountain forests under threat
The integrity and resilience of mountain forests is under threat from increasing temperatures and wildfires, population growth and food and fuel insecurity, warns FAO in its new publication "Mountain Forests in a Changing World" released today in the lead up to the UN International Mountain Day on 11 December.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 GMT
Innovative solutions conference gives new hope to poverty challenges
The Fourth Annual Global South-South Development Expo (GSSD Expo) concluded Friday at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome having spotlighted and showcased over 100 partnerships and solutions to poverty challenges that have been developed by developing countries themselves.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:00:00 GMT
Food prices almost unchanged
The FAO Food Price Index in November was virtually unchanged from its October level. At the new level of 215 points, the Index was 23 points below its peak in February 2011 but still two points above its level in November 2010. New FAO figures also confirm a record level of world cereal production of 2 323 million tonnes for 2011, representing a 3.5 percent increase on 2010 production.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT
FAO steps up support to South-South Cooperation
In a growing trend towards cooperation among countries of the global South, developing countries are putting more financial and technical muscle behind initiatives to help each other improve food security, as evidenced by new agreements fostered by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) among some of its member countries.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT
South-South Expo showcases successful solutions to food insecurity
The Fourth Annual Global South-South Development Expo (GSSD Expo) opened today in Rome, with more than 600 delegates from 150 countries convening to exchange and scale-up best practices and innovative solutions to complex food security challenges. The conference is hosted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and organized in conjunction with more than 20 United Nations agencies and partners.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT
FAO and ISESCO sign partnership agreement
FAO and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization will work together to protect important agricultural heritage systems in Islamic countries under a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement falls under FAO’s Globally Important Heritage Systems initiative.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT
FAO, IFAD and WFP reach 22 million people with massive EU investment in agriculture
In just two years FAO, IFAD and WFP have assisted over 22 million people hardest hit by the global food price crisis thanks to generous funding from the European Union’s Food Facility — providing tangible evidence that investing in agriculture and nutrition improves global food security, the three UN agencies said today.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT
FAO moves to halt plant genetic erosion
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has adopted a new global framework for the conservation and sustainable use of the diversity of plants on which food and agriculture depend. FAO’s governing Council meeting in Rome approved the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT
Satellite technology yields new forest loss estimates
A new, satellite-based survey released by FAO provides a more accurate picture of changes in the world's forests, showing forest land use declined between 1990 and 2005. The survey used high-resolution satellite imagery provided by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the United States Geological Survey.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT
"Energy-smart" agriculture needed to escape fossil fuel trap
The global food system needs to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels to succeed in feeding a growing world population, says a new FAO report presented today at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa. Agriculture both requires energy and can produce it - an "energy-smart" approach to agriculture would involve taking better advantage of this dynamic to improve efficiency, reduce waste and increase the use of alternative energy in food production.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Scarcity and degradation of land and water: growing threat to food security
Widespread degradation and deepening scarcity of land and water resources have placed key food production systems around the globe at risk, posing a profound challenge to the task of feeding a world population expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050, according to a major new FAO report published today, The State of the World's Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT
North Korea harvest improves
An assessment conducted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) indicates an improvement in the main annual harvest for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) compared to 2010 but highlights ongoing concerns over the nutrition situation, particularly among young children.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT
FAO and World Vision to join forces
FAO and World Vision International, one of the world’s largest non-governmental humanitarian organizations, are joining forces in promoting global food security under an agreement signed here. The Memorandum of Understanding lays out terms and conditions for joint actions and projects for the promotion of food security over a three-year period.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT
Agriculture key to addressing future water and energy needs
As pressure on the world's water resources reaches unsustainable levels in an increasing number of regions, a "business-as-usual" approach to economic development and natural resource management will no longer be possible, FAO today told participants at an international meeting on water, energy and food security being held in Bonn.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Cassava virus on verge of epidemic in East Africa
A new variant of a cassava disease is affecting large parts of East Africa, especially in the area’s Great Lakes Region, putting a crucial source of food and income at risk, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Experts say Cassava Brown Streak Disease is on the verge of becoming an epidemic, and have called for an urgent increase in funding, research, training, surveillance and other measures to help farmers and breeders.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT
FAO says traditional crops key to facing climate change
Traditional food crops and other plant varieties worldwide are in urgent need of protection from climate change and other environmental stresses, FAO said today, as it observed the tenth anniversary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT
Guidebook aims to stop spread of ‘alien’ forest pests
A new guide published by FAO aims to help countries prevent forest-damaging pests from spreading to new areas. At least 35 million hectares of forest are damaged by outbreaks of forest insect pests each year. The guide provides suggestions on how to implement effective pest management strategies and ensure the safe movement of forest commodities across the national borders.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Meeting growing demand for fish
Aquaculture is the world's fastest-growing source of animal protein and currently provides nearly half of all fish consumed globally, according to FAO's report World Aquaculture 2010.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Protecting forests to preserve livelihoods
An FAO programme that helps local communities in Mongolia protect their forests is being seen as a model for action in the Asia-Pacific region. The Participatory Forest Management project has effectively stopped illegal logging and forest fires in 15 pilot districts since it began in 2007, and is set to go nationwide when the pilot program ends in January 2012.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT
FAO Food Price Index down in October
The FAO Food price index dropped to an 11-month low in October, declining 4 percent, or nine points, to 216 points from September. Nonetheless prices still remain generally higher than last year and very volatile, FAO said. The drop was triggered by sharp declines in international prices of cereals, oils, sugar and dairy products. Meat prices declined the least.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Ten proposals to safeguard the ocean
UN agencies are launching today a plan to improve the management of oceans and coastal areas. The Blueprint for Ocean and Coastal Sustainability sounds the alarm about the health of the oceans, and explains how they influence our everyday life by regulating the climate, providing highly-nutritious food and by sustaining livelihoods and economies.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT
Agricultural cooperatives are key to reducing hunger and poverty
Smallholder farmers gain big benefits from agricultural cooperatives including bargaining power and resource sharing that lead to food security and poverty reduction for millions, the three Rome-based UN food agencies stressed today on the occasion of the launch of the International Year of Cooperatives 2012.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT
FAO-Italy project seeks to head off future problems in the Nile Basin
Rapid population growth and natural resource degradation in the Nile River Basin pose the risk of intensified hunger and poverty in the region and require forward-looking development planning to prevent that from happening. An FAO project financed by Italy has put critical information and planning tools into the hands of countries in the region so they can start turning the situation around.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT
CFS moves on important food security issues
A set of recommendations aimed at reducing food price volatility and enhancing vulnerable populations' resilience to price shocks has been agreed upon by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:00:00 GMT
Forests, potential solution in the fight against hunger
The role of forests in providing timber and other wood products must not overshadow their important contribution to feeding many of the world's poorest communities, a group of international forest organizations and secretariats said today. The potential of forests to improve food and nutritional security needs more attention from national policymakers and international development agencies.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT
Peace corps strengthens global partnership with FAO and WFP
At a ceremony held at FAO headquarters today, the U.S. Peace Corps pledged to support and expand its food security-related activities to combat hunger in countries where it is active. The move builds on the long history of partnership between the Corps, FAO and the World Food Programme on development work in rural communities around the world.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT
World Food Day focuses on swinging food prices
United Nations Agency chiefs and top international personalities met today to celebrate World Food Day, whose focus this year is on the recent wave of food price swings which threatens to push millions more people into hunger.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT
Rome-based food agencies celebrate World Food Day
FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Program celebrate World Food Day 2011 today with a series of speeches by visiting guests and performances by celebrity goodwill ambassadors. "Food Prices - From Crisis to Stability" is the theme of the Day this year.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMT
FAO project helps Kenyan farmers withstand drought
With the October rainy season starting, FAO is helping more than 5 000 vulnerable farming households in eastern Kenya terrace their fields to conserve rain water for crop use and prevent the soils from being washed away. They are also building simple dams for better harvesting of rain water.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT
World hunger report 2011: High, volatile prices set to continue
Food price volatility featuring high prices is likely to continue and possibly increase, making poor farmers, consumers and countries more vulnerable to poverty and food insecurity, the United Nations' three Rome-based agencies said in the global hunger report published today.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT
World cereal markets expected to stay tight amid rising production
Despite improved production prospects, world cereal markets are likely to remain fairly tight in 2011-2012. FAO's quarterly Crop Prospects and Food Situation report forecasts world cereal production will total 2 310 million tonnes this marketing season, 3 percent or 68 million tonnes higher than in 2010-2011.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT
Food Crisis looms in Sudan regions
Urgent action is needed to prevent a looming humanitarian and food crisis in two strife-affected regions on the border between Sudan and the newly-independent nation of South Sudan. Food availability in Blue Nile and South Kordofan is forecast to be significantly reduced
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT
As world goes urban, new focus on role of trees in cities
Focused policies and investments aimed at protecting and managing forest and trees in and around cities are needed to strengthen urban livelihoods and improve city environments, as the world becomes increasingly urbanized, said the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), of which FAO is a member, on the occasion of World Habitat Day celebrated today.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT
Opening the door to carbon crediting for restoring degraded grasslands
The vast potential of grasslands to trap atmospheric carbon and help slow down global warming is one step closer to being realized thanks to a new methodology developed by FAO and partner organizations in China. The methodology gives herders investing in restoring grasslands a way to prove they are sequestering atmospheric carbon while doing so, and gain access to climate change mitigation financing.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT
Ecotourism can play vital role in maintaining healthy forests
The continuing boom in ecotourism has the potential to save endangered forests or destroy them, depending on how effectively tourism expansion is managed, an international partnership for forest conservation and improvement cautioned today as the world celebrates the World Tourism Day and the International Year of Forests.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT
Statement by FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf on the death of Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai dedicated her life to saving the planet from environmental degradation and improving the well being of people, not only in Kenya, but around the world.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT
Building political momentum for famine-free Horn of Africa
“Adequate and predictable” financial resources are needed to resolve the crisis in the Horn of Africa, according to FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf. It is necessary to sustain the political momentum to create a famine-free Horn of Africa.
Author FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom)
Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT
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