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Support to the Implementation of the Regional Initiative on Empowering Smallholders and Family Farms - TCP/RER/3601

Year of publication 2021

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 11

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) The agricultural structure of many countries in the region of Europe and Central Asia has been shaped by land reforms during the 1990 s Typically, agriculture in this region is characterized by a small number of large scale farms and numerous small subsistence and semi subsistence/semi commercial family farms that have relatively small areas for farming Paradoxically, although a large number of smallholders and family farms is often not economically practical, this approach possesses great potential to become a resource for sustainable economic, social and environmental development In this regard, smallholders and family farmers can achieve higher productivity and greater income through the intensification of production, sustainable utilization of resources, better organization, access to adequate public services and greater integration into agrifood value chains Family farming, despite being loosely defined in the past, is considered a key component of enhancing the food security and ensuring the livelihoods of rural women and men, achieving sustainable rural development and diversification, and reducing rural poverty.

Language English

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    Since the land reforms of the 1990s, dualistic farm structures characterize the landscape of most transition countries in Europe and Central Asia, with large numbers of small subsistence and semi commercial family farms. Poverty, social vulnerability and other difficulties could prevent rural communities from fulfilling their role as important building blocks of food security. By enhancing productivity and income levels through sustainable intensification of production, better organization, ade quate services and integration into agrifood value chains, this Regional Initiative can contribute to the global goals of eradicating rural poverty and achieving food security and sustainable growth. Activities focus on sustainable management of agricultural land and water resources; sustainable intensification of smallholders’ production; strengthening the organizations of small producers and family farms; and enhancing access to rural services – such as advisory services and micro-loans.
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    Enhancing Policy-Making on Rural Development and Smallholder Support Through the UN Decade of Family Farming 2019-2028 - TCP/RER/3804​ 2025
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    The project addressed the critical need for sustainable development in rural communities across Europe and Central Asia (ECA), aligning with SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger). In the ECA region, nearly one-third of the population resided in rural areas, where small family farms dominated the agricultural sector. Despite some progress, these areas continued to suffer from significantly lower income levels compared to urban areas. Challenges included limited access to resources such as land, finances, and technology, as well as a lack of entities capable of providing training on sustainable agricultural practices and disseminating knowledge to communities and governments. The COVID-19 crisis further highlighted the need for stronger local production systems, shorter value chains, and enhanced resilience of smallholders through nature-based solutions and agroecology.
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    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    Poster: Empower Smallholders and Family Farms
    for improved livelihoods and poverty reduction
    2017
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    The poster is developed for the Regional workshop for Europe and Central Asia on sustainable food and agriculture for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement FAO REU to introduce the regional initiative 1(Empowering Smallholders and Family Farms for Improved Rural Livelihoods and Poverty Reduction) on the implementation of SDG indicators.
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