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Case-Studies on the measurement of productivity and efficiency in agriculture










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    Technical study
    FOREST HARVESTING CASE-STUDY 15
    - Forest harvesting operations in Papua New Guinea The PNG Logging Code of Practice
    1998
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    This case study is one of a series of publications produced by the Forest Harvesting, Trade and Marketing Branch of FAO in an effort to promote environmentally sound forest harvesting and engineering practices. The purpose of these studies is to highlight both the promise of environmentally sound forest harvesting technologies as a component of sustainable forest management, and the constraints that must be overcome in order to assure widespread adoption of those technologies. The FAO Fores t Products Division wishes to express its appreciation to the personnel of the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority, the Stettin Bay Lumber Company Ltd. (SBLC), and Vanimo Forest Products Pty. Ltd. (VFP) for their kind support throughout the implementation of this study. Particular thanks are extended to Aru Mathias, Forestry Officer with FAO's Sub-Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, who played an important role in initiating and coordinating the study, and to Goodwill Amos, General Manager o f Forest Operations for the PNG Forest Authority. Karo Karo Mau, Project Officer-Area West/Highlands for the PNG Forest Authority, was of great assistance during the field work. Special appreciation is also extended to Andrew Wong, Operations Manager at SBLC's Amio camp, and to three important collaborators at VFP: John Wong, General Manger for Operations; Romeo Perez, Forest Manager; and Mario R. Gabriel, Survey Manager. The field study was carried out by Norbert Winkler, a consultant to F AO, who also prepared the written report. FAO Forestry Officer Joachim Lorbach managed the field study and the preparation of the report for publication in the FAO Forest Harvesting Case-Study Series. Editing and final layout for publication were done by Dennis Dykstra.
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    FOREST HARVESTING CASE-STUDY 16 Forest Harvesting Practice in Concessions in Suriname 2001
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    Improved forest harvesting practices, with due consideration of the forest environment, are considered an important step towards sustainable forest management, particularly in tropical regions. The present case study has been carried out with one of the numerous small concession holders operating in the "Forest Belt" of Suriname. It could be demonstrated that even with a minimum effort in planning of harvesting operations, a significant advantage of meeting not only economic but also enviro nmental objectives can be achieved. Although an individual case study is just a snapshot, it is hoped that this case study, together with others in this series, will contribute to raise interest in introducing sustainable forest management practices in natural tropical forest within the country and elsewhere.
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    Working paper
    Impacts of foreign agricultural investment on developing countries: evidence from case studies 2014
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    There is growing evidence that investing in developing countries’ agricultural sector is among the most efficient ways to reduce poverty and hunger. Agricultural investments can generate a wide range of developmental benefits, but these benefits cannot be expected to arise automatically and some forms of large-scale investment carry risks for host countries. Although there has been much debate about the potential benefits and risks of international investment, there is a lack of systematic evide nce on the actual impacts on the host country and their determinants. This paper summarizes the results of FAO’s case studies on the impacts of foreign agricultural investment on host communities and countries. The studies suggest that the disadvantages of large-scale land acquisitions often outweigh the few benefits to the local community. In countries where local land rights are not clearly defined and governance is weak, large scale land acquisition raises particularly high risks for the loca l community. These include reduced access to natural resources and the loss of livelihoods, which are likely to generate local opposition to the investment. Even from the perspective of the investor, land acquisition is unlikely to be the most profitable business model due to the high potential for conflict and damage to reputation. Conversely, the studies suggest that investments that involve local farmers as equal business partners, giving them an active role and leaving them in control of the ir land, have the most positive and sustainable effects on local economies and social development. These inclusive business models need strong external support for supporting farmers and facilitating the investor-farmers relationship in order to succeed. They also require ‘patient capital’, as financial returns to investment are unlikely to materialize in the first years. Beside the business model, other important factors include the legal and institutional framework in the host country, the ter ms and conditions of the investment contract and the social and economic conditions in the investment area. Strengthening the governance and capacity of institutions in host developing countries is essential to enhancing the developmental impacts of foreign agricultural investment.

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    Tackling Climate Change through Livestock
    A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities
    2013
    As renewed international efforts are needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the livestock sector can contribute its part. An important emitter of greenhouse gas, it also has the potential to significantly reduce its emissions. This report provides a unique global assessment of the magnitude, the sources and pathways of emissions from different livestock production systems and supply chains. Relying on life cycle assessment, statistical analysis and scenario building, it also prov ides estimates of the sector’s mitigation potential and identifies concrete options to reduce emissions. The report is a useful resource for stakeholders from livestock producers to policy-makers, researchers and civil society representatives, which also intends to inform the public debate on the role of livestock supply chains in climate change and possible solutions.
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    Book (series)
    Flagship
    The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019
    Safeguarding against economic slowdowns and downturns
    2019
    This year’s report presents evidence that the absolute number of people who suffer from hunger continues to slowly increase. The report also highlights that food insecurity is more than just hunger. For the first time, the report provides evidence that many people in the world, even if not hungry, experience moderate food insecurity as they face uncertainties about their ability to obtain food and are forced to compromise on the quality and/or quantity of the food they consume. This phenomenon is observed globally, not only in low- and middle-income countries but also in high income countries. The report also shows that the world is not on track to meet global nutrition targets, including those on low birthweight and on reducing stunting among children under five years. Moreover, overweight and obesity continue to increase in all regions, particularly among school-age children and adults. The report stresses that no region is exempt from the epidemic of overweight and obesity, underscoring the necessity of multifaceted, multisectoral approaches to halt and reverse these worrying trends. In light of the fragile state of the world economy, the report presents new evidence confirming that hunger has been on the rise for many countries where the economy has slowed down or contracted. Unpacking the links between economic slowdowns and downturns and food insecurity and malnutrition, the report contends that the effects of the former on the latter can only be offset by addressing the root causes of hunger and malnutrition: poverty, inequality and marginalization.
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    Technical book
    The future of food and agriculture - Trends and challenges 2017
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    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.