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Book (series)Technical studyGender and food loss in sustainable fish value chains in Africa 2022
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No results found.Food losses are a major concern and occur in most fish distribution chains worldwide. Not only do losses constitute lost income to fishers, processors, and traders, but they also contribute to food insecurity. Progress has been made in identifying the direct causes of fish losses and quantifying the magnitude of the loss. However, loss reduction strategies have tended to focus on technological solutions and hence have overlooked the relevance of socio-economic factors, including gender relations, that influence the functioning of the fisheries value chain. This document provides guidance on integrating gender concerns into food loss interventions within the fish value chains. It describes the different steps to understand the key components of a gender-sensitive food loss value chain analysis. In particular, it recommends highlighting the dynamics and factors that influence women’s and men’s natural social disposition and participation in fisheries activities according to dominant assigned gender roles. While addressing the existing knowledge gaps and contributing to the development of an approach tailored to African small-scale fish value chains, this document also provides introductory information on the application of the FAO Gender-Responsive Fish Loss Assessment Methodology (GRFLAM). -
Book (stand-alone)Technical reportExpert Consultation Meeting on the Status and Challenges of the Cold Chain for Food Handling in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region
Proceedings
2012Also available in:
No results found.Our region is food insecure and a net importer of foods. It produces much less food than it requires due to many factors, such as limited arable land and shortage of water resources, and below world average agricultural productivity in many cases. In addition, the region suffers from excessive food losses and wastes. FAO estimated recently that food losses and waste in the world amounts to about 1.3 billion metric tons, and we estimate that our region’s share of these losses and wastes is very s ignificant. Therefore, in addition to improving food productivity, it is vital to explore every possible means to reduce food losses and wastes throughout the distribution systems. Such efforts will increase food availability, wholesomeness and safety, reduce the food shortage, and achieve food security in our region. Therefore, the establishment of adequate cold chain infrastructure and adequate application and management is essential to assure food security. The costs of establishing an adequa te cold chain industry, both economic and environmental, can be more than offset by the economic and environmental benefits of maintaining adequate quantities and quality of food. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical studyAgricultural value chains and social and environmental impacts: Trends, challenges, and policy options
Background paper for The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO) 2020
2020Also available in:
No results found.With the global population approaching 8 billion, the role of agricultural value chains (VCs) is increasingly important in ensuring sustainable and equitable food production. However, in developing countries, market failures can prevent small farmers from fully participating in domestic and global value chains, and issues related to climate change create further challenges. Moreover, greening policies and actions, as well as concerns regarding nutritional outcomes, add complexity to providing nutritious high-quality food to feed a growing population. In this context, it is critical to examine how markets can be shaped to be pro-poor and to reduce negative social and environmental externalities. The current paper examines policies, institutional arrangements, and initiatives that target and affect different agricultural supply chain actors to improve environmental and social outcomes. Specifically, it reviews the non-economic consequences associated with the current operation and structure of global and domestic food value chains and identifies successful private and public strategies to shape food markets that foster non-economic benefits (social and environmental). The paper provides key lessons and discusses policy implications on how markets can generate balanced economic objectives that also achieve desired nutritional, social, and environmental outcomes. It also highlights areas of future research to further understand the linkages between market forces shaping food value chains (FVCs) and non-economic outcomes.
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DocumentOther documentReducing inequalities for food security and nutrition
A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition
2023The report “Reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition” has been developed by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) following the request by the United Nations Committee on World Food Security (CFS) as included in its Programme of Work (MYPoW 2020-2023). In particular, the CFS requested the HLPE-FSN to develop a report to: (i) analyse evidence relating to how inequalities in access to assets (particularly land, other natural resources and finance) and in incomes within food systems impede opportunities for many actors to overcome food insecurity and malnutrition; (ii) analyse the drivers of inequalities and provide recommendations on entry points to address these; and (iii) identify areas requiring further research and data collection. This report will inform the ensuing CFS thematic workstream on inequalities, aiming at addressing the root causes of food insecurity with a focus on those “most affected by hunger and malnutrition”. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookSchool-based food and nutrition education
A white paper on the current state, principles, challenges and recommendations for low- and middle-income countries
2020Also available in:
School-based food and nutrition education (SFNE) helps schoolchildren and the school community to achieve lasting improvements in their food practices and outlooks; build the capacity to change and to adapt to external change; and pass on their learning to others. SFNE has also an important role in complementing efforts that are being made globally to improve food environments, and in empowering children and adolescents to become active participants in shaping the food system to be better able to deliver healthy and sustainable diets. Despite increasing interest for SFNE, the evidence that supports it and its potential, much of traditional SFNE, particularly in LMICs, is largely underfunded, not delivering results, and disconnected from other key interventions that aim to support the food, nutrition, environment, and education nexus. SFNE is under-resourced, with capacity development opportunities lacking throughout the school system. This White Paper is the first document of its kind, and it is based on the evidence, professional expertise, and field experience, lessons learned, and documented challenges of SFNE work in a variety of contexts. It presents the case for raising the profile and transforming the vision and learning model of SFNE. This document is directed firstly to a technical audience working in governmental organizations that deal with schoolchildren and adolescents and is also of interest to researchers, technical advisors, decision-makers, donors and investors, civil society, and UN organizations. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookClimate change and food security: risks and responses 2015
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End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition are at the heart of the sustainable development goals. The World has committed to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2030. But climate change is undermining the livelihoods and food security of the rural poor, who constitute almost 80 percent of the world’s poor. The effects of climate change on our ecosystems are already severe and widespread. Climate change brings a cascade of impacts from agroecosystems to livelihoods. Climate change impacts directly agroecosystems, which in turn has a potential impact on agricultural production, which drives economic and social impacts, which impact livelihoods. In other words, impacts translate from climate to the environment, to the productive sphere, to economic and social dimensions. Therefore, ensuring food security in the face of climate change is among the most daunting challenges facing humankind. Action is urgently needed now to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience of food systems to ensure food security and good nutrition for all.