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Strengthening financial services for roots and tubers value chains development in Africa














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    Project
    Factsheet
    Sustainable Approaches to Agro-Processing and Value Chain Development of Root and Tuber Crops in the Caribbean - TCP/SLC/3604 2020
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    Root and tuber crops, grown in most islands of the Caribbean by smallholder farmers, are an important source of dietary needs and a regular source of income for many rural dwellers. Despite this, the full potential of root and tuber crops to contribute to poverty reduction and rural and economic transformation remains unexploited. Caribbean countries have recently embarked on a series of initiatives to exploit the potential of these crops and to use them as a key pillar in the reduction of food and nutrition insecurity, the high incidence of non-communicable diseases and the food import bill. Current initiatives are based on the development of root and tuber crops and the intensification of processing to increase the number and types of value-added products and to enhance market opportunities. The aim of the project was to assist the seven participating countries to increase the utilization and marketing of selected root and tuber crops through exposure to new value-added options and improved processing technologies. One of its key functions was to serve as a pilot for innovative approaches and a catalyst for replication and expansion, with a focus on public purchase markets. Project activities addressed a broad range of stakeholders along the value chain, including producers, processors, millers, feed manufacturers and food service institutions. The project had four main outputs: improved production strategies; improved processing options; improved market linkages; and communication tools for root and tuber crops.
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    Book (series)
    Technical study
    Access to markets for small actors in the roots and tubers sector. Tailored financial services and climate risk management tools to link small farmers to markets
    FAO Agricultural Development Economics Technical Study 5
    2019
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    The roots and tubers industry in sub-Saharan Africa has been growing steadily in recent years. Nevertheless, a series of challenges, including lack of access to finance and climate change related events, has prevented the majority of actors in these value chains, who are mainly small farmers and small processors, from taking advantage of such growth. In order to properly assess such challenges, the project “Strengthening linkages between small actors and buyers in the roots and tubers sector in Africa” conducted a series of studies to identify relevant gaps, constraints and opportunities to develop tailored financial products and risk management strategies for small farmers. The present publication provides a summary of the most important lessons learned, with the related policy recommendations.
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    Book (series)
    Policy brief
    Climate risk management for the roots and tubers sectors in Africa
    FAO Agricultural Development Economics Policy Brief 23
    2020
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    Even if roots and tubers are generally tolerant to poor soils and droughts, they can be affected by climate variability and change. In order to address climate risks, value chains’ actors require timely and accurate information systems, including data on market prices, and a set of crop-specific climate risk management strategies. This policy brief indicates four main interventions to reduce risks and mitigate their impact on roots and tubers: (i) integrating climate risk management into agricultural development policies and planning; (ii) develop an inclusive strategy for the provision of climate related services; (iii) facilitate contract farming arrangements to promote climatic risk management strategies; and (iv) mainstream agricultural insurance schemes against climate risks along existing value chains.

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    Soil erosion: the greatest challenge for sustainable soil management 2019
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    Despite almost a century of research and extension efforts, soil erosion by water, wind and tillage continues to be the greatest threat to soil health and soil ecosystem services in many regions of the world. Our understanding of the physical processes of erosion and the controls on those processes has been firmly established. Nevertheless, some elements remain controversial. It is often these controversial questions that hamper efforts to implement sound erosion control measures in many areas of the world. This book, released in the framework of the Global Symposium on Soil Erosion (15-17 May 2019) reviews the state-of-the-art information related to all topics related to soil erosion.
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    Book (stand-alone)
    Corporate general interest
    Pulses: nutritious seeds for a sustainable future 2016

    The aim of raising global awareness on the multitude of benefits of pulses was integral to the International Year of Pulses. This coffee table book is part guide and part cookbook— informative without being technical. The book begins by giving an overview of pulses, and explains why they are an important food for the future. It also has more than 30 recipes prepared by some of the most prestigious chefs in the world and is peppered with infographics. Part I gives an overview of pulses and giv es a brief guide to the main varieties in the world. Part II explains step-by-step how to cook them, what to keep in mind and what condiments and instruments to use. Part III underscores the five messages that FAO conveys to the world about the impact pulses have on nutrition, health, climate change, biodiversity and food security. Part IV illustrates how pulses can be grown in a garden patch with easy gardening instructions and how they are grown in the world, highlighting major world producers , importers and exporters. Part V takes the reader on a journey around the world showing how pulses fit a region’s history and culture and visits 10 internationally acclaimed chefs as they go the market to buy pulses. Back at their restaurant or home, each chef prepares easy dishes and gives their best kept secrets. Each chef provides 3 recipes that are beautifully illustrated.

    Purchase a print copy.

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    Book (stand-alone)
    High-profile
    State of knowledge of soil biodiversity - Status, challenges and potentialities
    Report 2020
    2020
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    There is increasing attention to the importance of biodiversity for food security and nutrition, especially above-ground biodiversity such as plants and animals. However, less attention is being paid to the biodiversity beneath our feet, soil biodiversity, which drives many processes that produce food or purify soil and water. This report is the result of an inclusive process involving more than 300 scientists from around the world under the auspices of the FAO’s Global Soil Partnership and its Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, and the European Commission. It presents concisely the state of knowledge on soil biodiversity, the threats to it, and the solutions that soil biodiversity can provide to problems in different fields. It also represents a valuable contribution to raising awareness of the importance of soil biodiversity and highlighting its role in finding solutions to today's global threats.