Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Confusion and lack of consensus still exist over conceptualising and dealing with the problems of Food Security. Many stakeholders may lack a fundamental understanding of the complex interplay and multi-dimensionality of factors due to food security’s complex nature and its cross-sectoral roots. This complexity is both the cause of much misunderstanding and the barrier to any real consensual solution. How can we improve this situation and what role do Food Security frameworks play?

The impacts of bioenergy on Food Security have been highly debated. FAO’s Bioenergy and Food  Security Criteria and Indicators (BEFSCI) project is currently developing a set of criteria, indicators, good practices and policy options on sustainable bioenergy production that safeguards and, if possible, fosters food security. We welcome comments and inputs on a set of “core” indicators that governments could use (on a voluntary basis) to monitor the impacts of modern bioenergy production on the four dimensions of food security.

The communities of Sahelian West Africa (Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali) face, year after year, hardships due to drought despite all the aid awarded by international organizations. Lack of understanding of the communities' societies and a fragmented approach seem to be among the causes. What can we do to increase the impact of assistance programmes and reduce the vulnerability of these households?

FAO and WFP are in the process of each developing a Corporate Strategy on Information Systems for Food and Nutrition Security and will also work together on a Joint Strategy. These activities are based on the recommendations of the “Joint Thematic Evaluation of FAO and WFP Support to Information Systems for Food Security (ISFS)” and FAO and WFP management responses.

For decades the international disability movement has been saying that disability is a cause of poverty, that poverty often leads to disability and that disabled people are among the poorest of the poor in any country. Little effort is put in to making development programmes relevant to all stakeholders, including those with disabilities.

Broadcast media play a big role in disseminating information about innovations in agricultural technologies and practices while seeking to engage farmers and stakeholders in interactive discussions. John Cheburet, Kenyan journalist-producer of 'The Organic Farmer' and award winner of an Africa-wide scriptwriting competition on smallholder farmer innovation invites Forum members to discuss the nature of the relationship between broadcast media (in particular radio), extension workers and farmers.  

How diverse are rural livelihoods and incomes? Are different types of rural households differently equipped for facing food and financial crises? FAO's RIGA team invites you to share country specific case studies as well as general inputs.

What are the ingredients of successful agribusiness initiatives for small-scale farmers in developing countries? How to face the numerous challenges in supporting farmers willing to market their products further down the supply chain?

How can we make the best use of agricultural technology to achieve food security? Is there still a role for older technologies and for traditional approaches? Or embracing industrial production systems should be the way forward? Peter Steele from FAO Cairo is raising this topic inviting members and anyone interested to share their views. At the background of the debate lies the African context, where the challenges and potentials are huge and where, unlike Asia, a green revolution, with its pros and cons, never took place.

Can Livestock Keepers' Rights help in improving food security of people living in marginal lands? Evidence of the importance of small-scale livestock production systems making use of uncultivable lands and crop is strong; should they be given prominence over commercial producers, producing large amounts of cheap animal protein based on imported breeds and imported feed?