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Book (stand-alone)Technical bookThe feasibility of aquaponics in Mauritius 2012
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No results found.This report outlines the findings from an investigation into the viability of introducing aquaponics as an alternative technology to sustainably producing freshwater fish as part of the SmartFish program - Technical Assistance for Implementation of a regional fisheries strategy for ESA-IO region. Aquaponics is the integration of hydroponic plant culture in the land based culture of fish. In an aquaponic system the fish supply the nutrients to the plants (in the form of natural wastes) and the p lants form part of the water treatment system (by removing the wastes) from the recirculated fish water. A variety of fish and plants can be co-cultured in an aquaponic system. The benefits of an aquaponic system include; • the use very little new water, • higher yields of fish and plants per unit area than traditional agriculture, • disease and insect resistance to the plants, • no use of fertilizers or pesticides and • systems are scalable to meet the needs of the producer. Mauritius (a small island country) imports the majority of its food crops due to restrictions on water availability and adverse climatic conditions. Hydroponic vegetable production has been established and is starting to expand. As a first step a mission was undertaken to evaluate the viability of introducing aquaponics in Mauritius. The assessment and application of this technology although focused on the economics of Mauritius will have application to many African countries in the region, particularly those wher e freshwater fish are consumed. -
Book (series)Technical studySmall-scale aquaponic food production – Integrated fish and plant farming 2014This technical paper begins by introducing the concept of aquaponics, including a brief history of its development and its place within the larger category of soil-less culture and modern agriculture. It discusses the main theoretical concepts of aquaponics, including the nitrogen cycle and the nitrification process, the role of bacteria, and the concept of balancing an aquaponic unit. It then moves on to cover important considerations of water quality parameters, water testing, and water sourci ng for aquaponics, as well as methods and theories of unit design, including the three main methods of aquaponic systems: media beds, nutrient film technique, and deep water culture. The publication discusses in detail the three groups of living organisms (bacteria, plants and fish) that make up the aquaponic ecosystem. It also presents management strategies and troubleshooting practices, as well as related topics, specifically highlighting local and sustainable sources of aquaponic inputs. The publication also includes nine appendixes that present other key topics: ideal conditions for common plants grown in aquaponics; chemical and biological controls of common pests and diseases including a compatible planting guide; common fish diseases and related symptoms, causes and remedies; tools to calculate the ammonia produced and biofiltration media required for a certain fish stocking density and amount of fish feed added; production of homemade fish feed; guidelines and considerations fo r establishing aquaponic units; a cost–benefit analysis of a small-scale, media bed aquaponic unit; a comprehensive guide to building small-scale versions of each of the three aquaponic methods; and a brief summary of this publication designed as a supplemental handout for outreach, extension and education.
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Book (series)Technical report
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BookletCorporate general interestEmissions due to agriculture
Global, regional and country trends 2000–2018
2021Also available in:
No results found.The FAOSTAT emissions database is composed of several data domains covering the categories of the IPCC Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector of the national GHG inventory. Energy use in agriculture is additionally included as relevant to emissions from agriculture as an economic production sector under the ISIC A statistical classification, though recognizing that, in terms of IPCC, they are instead part of the Energy sector of the national GHG inventory. FAO emissions estimates are available over the period 1961–2018 for agriculture production processes from crop and livestock activities. Land use emissions and removals are generally available only for the period 1990–2019. This analytical brief focuses on overall trends over the period 2000–2018. -
Book (series)Technical reportJoint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Tropane Alkaloids
30 March – 3 April 2020
2020Also available in:
No results found.Between March and April 2019, many cases of suspected food poisoning were reported by health care workers in the Karamoja region of the Republic of Uganda. Consumption of food products that had high levels of tropane alkaloids was identified as the cause. This group of compounds occur in several plant genera that belong to the Solanaceae family and can contaminate staples like cereals and grains. Given the absence of international guidance and regulations, a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Tropane Alkaloids was convened remotely between 30 March – 3 April 2020. This publication captures the discussions of the expert meeting and provides risks assessments of tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine and scopolamine) as well as recommendations outlining appropriate risk management options. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookThe future of food and agriculture - Trends and challenges 2017
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No results found.What will be needed to realize the vision of a world free from hunger and malnutrition? After shedding light on the nature of the challenges that agriculture and food systems are facing now and throughout the 21st century, the study provides insights into what is at stake and what needs to be done. “Business as usual” is not an option. Major transformations in agricultural systems, rural economies, and natural resources management are necessary. The present study was undertaken for the quadrennial review of FAO’s strategic framework and for the preparation of the Organization Medium-Term plan 2018-2021.