Copyright licence

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Year of publication 2025

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Place of publication Santiago, Chile ;

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Pages 70

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Author FAO and PNUD

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Publisher FAO ;

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Product type Journal, magazine, bulletin

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Category Bulletin

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Synopsis (short abstract) This document addresses the importance and challenges of characterizing family farming in Latin America and the Caribbean, a key sector for regional agrifood systems. Family farming accounts for more than 80 per cent of agricultural holdings in the region, playing a crucial role in food security, environmental preservation and rural development. However, the lack of clear definitions and reliable statistical data hinders its inclusion in effective public policies, compromising its potential to address global challenges such as climate change and rural inequalities. The analysis highlights how the heterogeneity of family units, which vary in size and productive capacity, requires differentiated approaches for their identification and support. Through concrete examples, such as national registries and agricultural censuses, the report highlights the need for more robust methodologies to capture the diversity of the sector. It also explores the positive impact of comprehensive public policies that promote the sustainability and resilience of family farming, linking it to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The publication is an essential tool for decision-makers, researchers and rural development stakeholders, offering evidence and practical recommendations for strengthening institutional capacities and improving the governance of the sector. By highlighting the centrality of family farming, the report promotes its recognition as a pillar for the transformation of agrifood systems towards more inclusive, equitable and sustainable models.

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Cite this content as:

Language English

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Also available in:

• Spanish

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