A group of agriculture professionals from Africa took part in a study in India to gain insights on the role of farm mechanization in sustainable intensification. Participants were exposed to various technologies, including gender-friendly equipment for postharvest operations. Four international research organizations coordinated the tour. http://blog.cimmyt.org/?p=10406
Archive | Food security
RSS feed for this sectionKenya: Grain Purchase Plan for Machakos
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A county government will buy maize from farmers to reduce risks of exploitation from middlemen, as well as to control presence of aflatoxin that is frequently found in home-stored grain. http://allafrica.com/stories/201306110145.html
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Food Prices to Double by 2030
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International NGO focused on poverty, Oxfam, warns that the price of staple grains will more than double in the next 20 years, increasing by as much as 180% by 2030 for some crops such as maize. Climate change will cause much of the increase, followed by population, energy, and resource demands, Oxfam says. http://www.gbcghana.com/index.php?id=1.407227
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Improving Global Food Security Without Rocket Science
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Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), writes that ‘tackling postharvest losses is not rocket science’, but does require the coordinated effort of many actors. The WFP addresses postharvest loss under its ‘Purchase for Progress’ pilot capacity-building and training program, currently working in 20 countries. http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/improving-global-food-security-r-analysis-528272
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Global Food Market Far Improved From Crisis Years
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The FAO reports that though rising, food prices this year are not peaking, much unlike in 2008 and 2011 when high volatility led to unrest and rioting. FAO says the lack of financial speculators is helping to moderate prices. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/global-food-market-far-improved-from-crisis-years/article12036490/?cmpid=rss1
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Joint FAO, IFAD, WFP News Release: Food Security to be at Centre of Africa Development Agenda
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The three Rome-based UN agency heads called for food security and nutrition to be the center focus of the international development agenda for Africa. The leaders stressed the importance of focusing investments and initiatives on smallholder farmers and rural development, and especially for women and girls. http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2013/26.htm?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonua%2FMd%2B%2FhmjTEU5z17%2BwtX6CygYkz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMSsRlN6%2BNFAAgAZVnyRQFHuWDeZg%3D
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Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets in Africa
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The G8 increasingly emphasizes the importance of market linkages for smallholder farmers in Africa. International debates and conversations, captured in two recent reports, focus on 5 priorities for how markets can function better for smallholders. Several organizations on the ground are promoting a market focus, such as FANPRAN, Farm Africa, the One Acre Fund, and others. […]
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Advancing Global Food Security: The Power of Science, Trade, and Business
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The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released the report, ‘Advancing Global Food Security: The Power of Science, Trade, and Business’, at their recent symposium in Washington, D.C. The report sites reducing loss as an essential element to sustainable intensification of agriculture. The Council also covered postharvest loss in a commentary piece leading up to the event. http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/UserFiles/File/GlobalAgDevelopment/Report/2013_Advancing_Global_Food_Security.pdf
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Ready Storage for Food: Centre to Tell States
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The UPA government of India hopes to pass the ambitious ‘Right to Food Bill’ in coming months, which includes a financial commitment from the Centre to upgrade grain storage capacities. The government urges states to begin their own upgrades to lay the path for Centre funds and support. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-10/news/39169036_1_food-bill-food-scheme-food-minister-kv-thomas
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IFPRI Strategy 2013 – 2018: Food Policy Research in a Time of Unprecedented Challenges
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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published a strategy report for the next 5 years in food policy research. Their first strategic area is ‘ensuring sustainable food production’, which encompasses reduction of waste within the food system. Read the full report here, or see highlights here. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/ifpri-strategy-2013-2018 Full report: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/gi40.pdf Highlights: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/strategy2013hl.pdf
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