Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
-
No Thumbnail AvailableBook (stand-alone)BulletinGrain storage techniques - Evolution and trends in developing countries 1994
Also available in:
No results found.The importance of grain storage as part of the marketing, distribution and food security system is well recognized. As early as 1971, the Group for Assistance on Systems relating to Grain After-harvest (GASGA), in which FAO participates, brought together experts and coordinated activities on research and development. In 1978, following the resolution of the UN General Assembly which called for the reduction of post-harvest losses, FAO launched the Special Action Programme for Prevention of Food Losses (PFL). Since then more than 250 projects have been implemented world wide under this programme. During recent years, as a result of privatization and liberalization of trade, the organization and management of grain storage has changed in many developing countries. This restructuring of the grain storage sector has created a demand for information and knowledge from the emerging private entrepreneurs operating in the storage sector. In the previous storage and distribution systems, f unctions such as collection, storage, regulation of supplies, food security and price control, were often entrusted to parastatal marketing boards. Skills have been developed, facilities have been installed and methods taught to their staff, often at high cost. These skills have now to be acquired by the new "actors" of the privatized storage and distribution system. The purpose of the Bulletin is to contribute to the transfer of knowledge on grain storage to persons involved in the storage of g rain. This joint production FAO-GASGA Bulletin is aimed at private and public sector storage operators, extension workers, students and researchers. However, the varied topics covered in the chapters are intended for persons each having different interests in the subject. -
Book (series)Technical briefWhy Law Matters: Design Principles for Strengthening the Role of Forestry Legislation in Reducing Illegal Activities and Corrupt Practices 2002
Also available in:
No results found.The damage caused by illegal activities and corrupt practices in the world’s forests is a problem of enormous proportions. In many parts of the world, forest exploitation is dominated by rampant illegal harvesting, large-scale violation of trade regulations both domestically and internationally, fraudulent practices abetted or condoned by government officials and other destructive activities in violation of applicable laws. This paper is concerned with one facet of this complex problem–h ow important is legislation in the fight against destructive and corrupt forestry practices? In this short paper, we explore ways in which the drafting of forestry legislation – both in terms of the substantive content of law and the process by which it is written – can facilitate or obstruct efforts toreduce illegal activities. We propose several legislative design principles that have special relevance to the problems of corruption and law enforcement in the forestry sector. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookThe use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition countries. 2009
Also available in:
If agriculture is to contribute to the development of the economy, and farmers are not to be left behind, then agriculture needs a proper credit system. Post-harvest credit in the form of warehouse receipt finance has proved to be a critical component for agriculture sector growth in emerging economies. Efficient warehouse receipt finance allows farmers to avoid selling directly after harvest, when prices are depressed. It encourages storage by reducing the cost and by increasing liquidi ty in entire commodity chains, which in turn reduces price volatility. By giving farmers access to a new financing tool, it enhances their ability and incentives to invest in production. This paper discusses the state of warehouse receipt finance in countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA), and possibilities for enhancing its use. It describes legal and regulatory issues that need to be resolved, and how the international community can help in the process. Annex 1 summarizes some experiences with warehouse receipt finance in Africa and Asia. It is hoped that this paper will encourage all those interested in agricultural development in ECA and other regions to improve the conditions for and use of warehouse receipt finance, and that it will assist them in doing so.
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
-
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetBrochureUnderstanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security in Africa 2020
Also available in:
No results found.In addition to its drastic impact to human health globally, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on the economies globally and notably in Africa. Countries on the continent have taken various measures to try and contain the spread of COVID-19 such as lockdowns, curfews, closure of borders and other movement restrictions including quarantines and roadblocks, closure of markets, fear of animals, among others. Early indications suggest that the impact on agriculture and food security and levels of poverty and malnutrition will be significant if urgent actions are not taken. Although the economic impacts of COVID-19 will be more significant than the SARS epidemic, the H1N1 flu epidemic and the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 impact on economic well-being will be observed through two distinct but similar channels. First are the direct and indirect effects of the sickness and mortality, which will lead to an increase in health care costs and loss of economic activity of infected individuals during their illness. Second, are the behavioral effects resulting from people’s fear of contagion and measures taken by governments to control the spread of the infection. The impacts of essential containment/isolation and distancing measures on social and economic well-being are yet to be realized and could have tremendous effects, notably among the most vulnerable. -
Book (series)Technical study2019 Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition
Containing the damage of economic slowdowns and downturns to food security in Africa
2020Also available in:
In the 2017 and 2018 editions of the Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, FAO reported that the prevalence of undernourishment was rising in the region. The latest data shows that the deterioration has slowed, but there remain 256 million hungry people in Africa today. The report further documents that although many African countries are making progress towards reducing malnutrition, progress is too slow to meet six key nutrition targets, which form part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) monitoring framework and the World Health Assembly global nutrition targets. Food insecurity has been rising in Africa in recent years and the continent is not on track to eliminate hunger by 2030. The 2017, 2018 and this year’s report identify and report in detail on conflict, climate extremes and economic slowdowns and downturns as the key drivers of the rise in food insecurity. In most cases, the economic slowdowns and downturns that contributed to rising undernourishment in 2014–2018 were the result of commodity price falls. Many effective policy tools are available, but their adoption will depend on the availability of fiscal space to effect the desired policy action. In the longer-term, countries must develop policies and invest to achieve a more diversified economy and achieve an inclusive structural transformation. However, sustained economic growth is not enough: reducing inequalities, including gender-based and spatial inequalities, is essential to strengthening household resilience, laying the path to inclusive growth and reducing food insecurity and tackling the multiple forms of malnutrition. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookThe future of food and agriculture - Trends and challenges 2017
Also available in:
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.