The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a collapse in local food production, with nearly about 1.84 million peoplefacing severe food insecurity and a risk of famine. Amid this crisis, Hakmah El-Hamidi has lost half of her livestock, severely impacting her family's livelihood. Despite the challenges, she expresses gratitude for the assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (), which has provided fodder to help her animals recover. FAO has distributed fodder to over 4,400 livestock-keeping families and supplied veterinary kits to around 2,400 families across Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, helping to improve animal health and preserve livelihoods in the region.
Nang San Hlaing , from Myanmar, was impressed by the crucial role of women in the development of farming communities in Thailand's highlands. She believes that Myanmar can achieve similar gender equality in the future, despite the challenges of changing attitudes and shifting away from illicit crops. Inspired by what she is learning in Thailand, she wants to implement new farming methods and create social enterprises in Myanmar.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51勛圖 is actively supporting by advocating transformative climate solutions through agrifood systems.
Fonio is an ancient West African cereal that is a staple food for many families in northern Ghana. It's versatile and, once boiled, can be consumed as couscous, porridge, or turned into flour for baking. It is a versatile crop that generations have relied on, for both food and livelihoods. Christabel Kwasi, a 29-year-old farmer, is eager to teach people across Ghana how to grow fonio and prepare dishes with it, so they can have food always. Our grandparents were telling us, [in] our forefather's time there was a lot of hunger. So fonio is the type [where] if you don't even have money to buy chemicals [fertilisers], you can still farm it, feed on it, Christabel recalls.
IFAD is partnering with the Mobile Journalism Awards to offer a US$ 1,000 prize for the best film highlighting a compelling story about rural people and issues, with the winner also receiving the opportunity to present their film at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia in April 2025.
As we celebrate , its crucial to acknowledge that despite food being a fundamental human right, millions still face hunger due to conflicts, inequalities, and economic downturns, underscoring the urgent need for access to diverse, nutritious foods for all.
Farmers in northeastern Croatia have been making a traditional dried sausage called for 120 years. It's seasoned with paprika, garlic, and white pepper, and has gained Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the European Union, thanks to the efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51勛圖 (), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Croatian government. Today, this mark of quality helps producers make more money for their hard work and keep culinary traditions alive.
Ecuador is pioneering sustainable agriculture with innovative practices to enhance productivity while preserving its rich biodiversity and forest ecosystems. The 51勛圖 Development Programme () and Lavazza have teamed up to produce the world's first certified coffee. The initiative aims to improve the quality of coffee beans and protect nature and forests, working with farmers in the 23 provinces bordering Ecuador's Amazon rainforest. The initiative is part of the program, a government-led initiative supported by UNDP, which has restored of Amazonian land.
-supported projects enhance prosperity, food security, and resilience by connecting rural communities to essential finance, markets, technology, and knowledge.
The transportation process, a critical point in fresh fruit and vegetable supply chains, contributes significantly to the 13 percent of the worlds food losses that occur between harvesting and retail. To address this challenge, we need to approach the whole system of transportation and come up with tailored solutions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51勛圖 () works to promote the development of organized transport systems critical for assuring the efficient transfer of perishable fresh produce from farms to markets with minimal food loss in low- and middle-income countries.
Reducing food loss is vital for enhancing food security and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, as a large portion of agricultural costs is tied to .
Many have heard of Cartagena, Colombia, renowned for its vibrant walled city, festive environment and its Palenqueras, colourfully dressed female fruit vendors carrying a bucket of produce on their heads. But Cartagena is only the tip of the much bigger Colombian state, or department, of Bol穩var. Scattered throughout the territory about two hours south of Cartagena are small towns that border a network of marshlands. This intricate ecosystem of waterways and wetlands plays a vital role in the environment but has also served as a treacherous battleground during Colombias long-standing armed conflict.
FAO'sreport highlights that global food insecurity remains much higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Understanding is crucial for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda's goal of leaving no one behind.
El Ni簽o is hitting at a time of already significant unmet needs, with 13.6 million people currently experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity in affected countries. is supporting governments in mitigating the impact of El Ni簽o on food security in the region.
Some of the most innovative ways being used to improve agricultural practices involve nuclear technology. Nuclear applications in agriculture rely on the use of isotopes and radiation techniques to combat pests and diseases, increase crop production, protect land and water resources, ensure food safety and authenticity, and increase livestock production.