Using a randomized controlled trial, we examine the impacts of cash and input transfers, and a cross-randomized program of intensive agricultural extension over two years. We find large effects on the total value of agricultural production from the transfers (both cash and inputs) in both years. Gains to production are...

Various models and approaches are being implemented to provide technical assistance and support to improve smallholder farmers’ incomes and welfare in Malawi. This study evaluates the impact of farmer business schools (FBS) on crop incomes of smallholder farmers in Dedza district in central Malawi. The FBS approach, which has been...

This brochure presents the key findings and recommendations of the study entitled “the Regional Outlook on Gender and Agri-food Systems,” which was jointly conducted by the FAO and the African Union Commission. The brochure describes gender gaps in (i) access to and control over productive resources and opportunities, (ii) influence...

This paper aims to explore the influence of nutrition-sensitive interventions on dietary profiles of the beneficiaries of IFAD-funded projects. Drawing on a desk review of 37 IFAD funded projects in the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region, the study used a cross sectional survey data from a purposive sample from selected...

This report unpacks and explores farmer-managed seed systems and their contribution to food and seed sovereignty, including the benefits they provide to farming communities as a part of their sociocultural, economic, spiritual and ecological livelihoods. The report highlights, exposes and explores how these systems work. It builds on reports of...

The Smallholder Farmers’ Data portrait is a comprehensive, systematic and standardized data set on the profile of smallholder farmers across the world. This Factsheet generates an overview on how small family farmers in Uganda live their lives by using the Data Portrait, putting an emphasis on the constraints they face, the...

The Smallholder Farmers’ Data portrait is a comprehensive, systematic and standardized data set on the profile of smallholder farmers across the world. This Factsheet generates an overview on how small family farmers in Tanzania live their lives by using the Data Portrait, putting an emphasis on the constraints they face, the...

This website from the Oakland Insitute collects thirty-three case studies on the success of agroecological agriculture in Africa. They demonstrate with facts and figures how an agricultural transformation respectful of the farmers and their environment can yield economic, social and food securit benefits while also fighting climate change and restoring soils...

A factsheet outlining the rationale for an effective approach to ensure that the fragmented implementation and institutionalization of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) policies are coordinated in a harmonious way in East Africa. For this purpose, an Eastern Africa Peer Review Mechanism (EAPRM) is proposed at national and regional levels...

The current report—Mechanized: Transforming Africa’s Agriculture Value Chains—summarizes the findings of a systematic analysis of what countries at the forefront of progress in mechanization have done right. It analyzes which policy decisions were taken and which interventions were implemented to substantially increase the uptake of mechanization. The report takes a...

Pastoral livestock production is crucial to the livelihoods and the economy of Africa’s semi-arid regions. It developed 7,000 years ago in response to long-term climate change. It spread throughout Northern Africa as an adaptation to the rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable arid climate. It is practised in an area representing...

Factors that further or limit the development of agro-ecological practices. Evaluation of the socio-economic and agro-environmental effects This is a summary note on the CALAO (Capitalization of stakeholder experience for the development of resilient agro-ecological techniques in West Africa) Project. CALAO's goail is to make the following available for practitioners, political bodies,...

The Smallholder Farmers’ Data portrait is a comprehensive, systematic and standardized data set on the profile of smallholder farmers across the world. This Factsheet generates an overview on how small family farmers in Malawi live their lives by using the Data Portrait, putting an emphasis on the constraints they face, the...

Tens of millions of smallholder farmers across Africa are facing a new foe in their fields: the Fall Armyworm (FAW). Newly arrived from the Americas, this insect prefers to eat maize, but can live on over 80 plant species. Farmers are alarmed by the ragged maize leaves in their fields caused...

This publication, Achieving Social and Economic Development in Africa through Ecological and Organic Agricultural Alternatives, is a follow up to FAO’s 2013 publication Organic Agriculture: African Experiences in Resilience and Sustainability. It gathers in one volume the plenary papers presented during the Third African Organic Conference that took place in...

The agriculture sector in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains the backbone of national economies, sustaining rural and urban livelihoods alike, and providing food and income for the majority of households. Recent agriculture growth in Sub-Saharan Africa has been solid and has supported improvements in nutrition outcomes and poverty rates. Despite some...

This paper situates the competing visions for the future of agriculture and food systems in the context of key social, economic and environmental challenges. Drawing on both the growing literature on these issues and Trócaire’s experience the paper presents Trócaire’s vision for agriculture and food. It is an introduction to...

Agroecology is best practice: Biowatch's work with smallholder farmers explores the workings of eight homestead farms in northern KwaZulu-Natal, illustrating agroecology best practices through the personal experiences of each of the smallholder farmers. These farmers have shown that the land can take care of its people - if its people take...

In Zimbabwe, FAO has been implementing a four year EU funded project to improve food and nutrition security of vulnerable rural communities through participatory sustainable forest management and value addition to forest products. The video tells the story of a beekeeper named Njovana. Njovana now understands that every tree that...

In Zimbabwe, FAO has been implementing a four year EU funded project to improve food and nutrition security of vulnerable rural communities through participatory sustainable forest management and value addition to forest products. The tough protective shell that houses a delectable delight earned the Marula fruit the name, HARD NUT....