First Global Forum of the UN Decade of Family Farming 2019-2028

After three years of implementation, the UN Decade of Family Farming 2019-2028 (UNDFF) will host its first Global Forum on 19-22 September 2022. Since its launch in 2019, the Decade has been promoting integrated actions supported by cross-sectoral policies that address sustainable development’s environmental, economic and social dimensions. This approach resulted in the approval of 3 Regional and 10 National Action Plans for family farming. At the same time, 186 relevant policies, laws and regulations

Western tree planters association's ambitious plan for commercial forestry begins with trees on farm census

According to Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Commercial forestry is contributing 3.8% of Kenya’s GDP, excluding charcoal and direct subsistence uses. This points to the need for a closer look at the sector by various stakeholders, even as the country seeks to achieve 10% forest cover. With commercial forestry supporting Kenya’s most productive sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, livestock, energy, wildlife, water, tourism and trade, smallholder farmers are undoubtedly key players in

No ordinary irrigation in the Gambia: innovative solar-powered technologies are securing access to water for rural communities

Across many parts of rural Gambia, women farmers often start their days before dawn to ensure that they have enough water to irrigate their gardens and to cook, clean and bathe at home. “Some of us would wake up as early as 3.00 a.m. to 4.00 a.m. just to get water. Hyenas attacked us on three different occasions,” said Salla Bah, a vegetable farmer in the Central River Region in

Integrated fish-rice systems attract broad interest at Agrishow 2022

Validation and dissemination of integrated fish-rice systems through the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach is one of 22 projects the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)-Rwanda showcased during the 15th National Agriculture Show (Agrishow). The Agrishow 2022 was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) from 06- 14th July, under the theme “ Building resilience in Agriculture through modern technologies”. Hundreds of guests who attended the Agrishow

Farmers' organizations advocate for an agroecological transition

For the 2022-2023 agricultural campaign, several farmers in West Africa say they are facing a real problem of access to fertilizers. With the increase in fertilizer prices on the world market and the reduction in available stocks, it is difficult for these farmers to buy the quantity of fertilizer they need. An advocacy organization for farmers, the Togolese Coordination of Peasant Organizations and Agricultural Producers (CTOP) is well aware of

Albinos, indigenous peoples, and people living with disabilities facing the effects of climate change

Albinos, indigenous peoples and people living with disabilities facing the effects of climate change Young albinos, indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities and some young students from the University of Goma UNIGOM celebrated on June 7 the day of environment in the city of Goma. This city located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has long been affected by eruptions from the Nyiragongo Volcano, one of

African countries celebrate the importance of fish industries employing 5.4 million people and providing essential nutrition

In rural Malawi, small-scale fisheries and aquaculture produce the most readily available animal-sourced foods – and much vital protein. It’s the same in Zambia. And, both countries are land-locked too, with no accessible coast to harvest fish from. That’s quite a contribution from the industries, often family and community-run. It’s a similar story in many African countries. Artisanal fisheries and aquaculture are important across Africa, with annual production of 5.2

Distance learning via radio for rural communities in Somalia: An FAO initiative

Overcoming COVID-19 restrictions through adaptive measures that facilitate access to agricultural and nutrition knowledge Over the years, Somalia experienced conflict and fragility that resulted in severe poverty and vulnerability, displacement, poor economic capacity, and food and nutrition insecurity. Most of the country’s population is in rural areas, and they rely on agriculture as the primary source of livelihood and exports. In 2020, up to 1.3 million people in Somalia faced

Celebrating Women Leadership in The Farm Forestry Sector: Case story of the Mt. Elgon and Meru County, Kenya

Janephrice Talian is the Cheptais Community Forest Association’s chairperson, which serves thousands of residents around Mt. Elgon. The group has 3,200 members spread around Mt. Elgon and organized into 43 registered user groups. The user groups engage in 11 different value chains, including beekeeping, poultry, herbal medicine, eco-tourism, dairy, fodder production, grazing, tree nursery, cultural services, and agroforestry, among other activities. These activities are included in the currently active Participatory

African countries commit to raise ambitions for Sustainable Development Goals

African countries have committed to raise their ambitions and accelerate their actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty and hunger, at the conclusion of the 32nd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa. Sixty-two Ministers from 54 African countries participated in the conference – country representation was one of the largest ever thanks to the hybrid mode, with more than half the ministers attending in person