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Book (stand-alone)Manual / guideReducing food loss and waste in the processing, distribution and retail operations of micro, small and medium-sized food processing enterprises
A technical manual
2024Also available in:
Reducing food loss and waste (FLW) is an important concern for all stakeholders across the food value chain – from producers, those involved in harvesting, handling, distribution, processing, and retail, to consumers. There is an urgent need to raise awareness and, more importantly, build the technical capacities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the agrifood sector, allowing them to reduce the levels of food loss in their processing and distribution operations. This manual is designed as an easy-to-use, informational, and instructional resource on how to measure and reduce food losses at the MSME level, and to reduce food waste in retail. It presents salient information on:- identifying food loss hotspots and their underlying causes in the processing and distribution operations of MSMEs;
- measuring the levels of loss at each hotspot;
- introducing simple innovations that are technically, economically, and socially appropriate, as well as good practices to reduce food loss at each hotspot; and
- measuring food waste in retail and identifying actions that can measurably reduce the levels of food waste in retail.
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Book (stand-alone)Technical bookRegional Strategic Framework Reducing Food Losses and Waste in the Near East & North Africa Region 2015Food losses and waste (FL&W) in the Near East & North Africa (NENA) region are high and contribute to reduced food availability, aggravated water scarcity, adverse environmental impacts and increased food imports, in an already highly import-dependent region. This document outlines a Regional Strategic Framework for reducing food losses and waste in the region. It responds to the FAO NERC-31 (in May 2012) recommendation calling on FAO to “assist member countries in addressing the key challenges of reducing food waste and losses by conducting comprehensive studies on impact of food losses and waste on food security in the region and in establishing a plan to reduce food losses and waste in the region by 50% within 10 years”. The components of the strategic framework are based on the region’s socio-economic context, gaps in combating FL&W, and availability of resources.
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Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetBrochureCoordinating local and national actions to reduce food loss and waste in Mediterranean cities
Webinar outcomes
2025Also available in:
During this webinar, organized by the SFS-MED Platform and held on 28 January 2025, stakeholders from across the Mediterranean came together to share insights, strategies and experiences on addressing the growing challenge of food loss and waste in the region. Panelists emphasized the powerful role cities can play in driving innovation and systems change by promoting more efficient resource use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating social and economic benefits - from improved public health to new job opportunities. Strategic urban governance was highlighted as critical to identifying local drivers of food waste and enabling context-specific solutions, supported by clear legislation, cross-sectoral policies and incentives for the private sector. The discussion underscored the importance of multi-level coordination, linking local, national and international efforts, as well as the need for stronger collaboration between science, policy and practice. Advancing research, education and technology transfer were seen as pivotal to unlocking practical, scalable solutions. Ultimately, reducing food loss and waste is not only a technical challenge, but a shared responsibility that demands collective action to transform agrifood systems in the Mediterranean and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Book (series)General interest bookUsing seasonal forecasts to support farmer adaptation to climate risks
FAO Agricultural Development Economics Policy Brief 14
2018Also available in:
No results found.The brief uses a unique set of data from Zambia collected from smallholders before and after the 2015/2016 ENSO event, which was widely anticipated by regional and global forecast services to contribute to dry conditions in southern Zambia and an overall shorter growing season. Three findings emerge from the analysis. Farmers receiving seasonal weather forecasts are more likely to adopt cropping systems and seed varieties that are adapted to the expected weather conditions, yet access to weather information remains limited. Access to competitive private markets increases the probability that a farmer will adopt drought tolerant cropping systems and improved seeds in response to an adverse seasonal forecast. Policies that attract private investment in smallholder markets can improve farmers’ adaptive response to anticipated weather events. -
Book (series)FlagshipThe State of Food and Agriculture 2019
Moving forward on food loss and waste reduction
2019The need to reduce food loss and waste is firmly embedded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Food loss and waste reduction is considered important for improving food security and nutrition, promoting environmental sustainability and lowering production costs. However, efforts to reduce food loss and waste will only be effective if informed by a solid understanding of the problem. This report provides new estimates of the percentage of the world’s food lost from production up to the retail level. The report also finds a vast diversity in existing estimates of losses, even for the same commodities and for the same stages in the supply chain. Clearly identifying and understanding critical loss points in specific supply chains – where considerable potential exists for reducing food losses – is crucial to deciding on appropriate measures. The report provides some guiding principles for interventions based on the objectives being pursued through food loss and waste reductions, be they in improved economic efficiency, food security and nutrition, or environmental sustainability. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookGlobal strategy for the prevention and control of high pathogenicity avian influenza (2024–2033)
Achieving sustainable, resilient poultry production systems
2025Also available in:
No results found.In response to the escalating threat of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have launched a revised global strategy for the prevention and control of HPAI (2024–2033) under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs). This updated strategy builds upon lessons from the 2008 framework and responds to new epidemiological challenges, including the widespread emergence and persistence of H5Nx viruses.Adopting a One Health approach, the strategy recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. It aims to reduce the impact of HPAI on poultry while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of agrifood systems. By strengthening disease surveillance, improving biosecurity, and promoting science-driven interventions—including responsible vaccination and poultry sector transformation—the strategy seeks to prevent outbreaks, protect livelihoods, and minimize risks to public health.Multistakeholder collaboration is central to its implementation, with a strong emphasis on public–private partnerships to ensure effective implementation. Through continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation, the strategy provides a flexible yet structured framework that enables countries to tailor prevention and control measures to their specific contexts.