Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

5 publications that need to be on your 2019 reading list


From fish to farms to food waste, FAO has a publication for you

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@FAO/Andrea DeRuggieri

14/01/2019

2018 has already come to a close and we all know we have left some things undone. As you plan your New Year’s resolutions, here are 5 reasons you should add these FAO publications to your reading list!

1. Because reducing food waste is a good personal resolution

Food loss and waste and the right to adequate food: Every year, one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted across the globe. This is particularly devastating as 821 million people are still going hungry. This publication makes the connection between food loss and waste and the human right to adequate food. It focuses on the need to develop sustainable global consumption and production systems.

2. Because living in cities affects diets and food production

Integrating food into urban planning: With the majority of the world’s population already living in urban areas, there are unprecedented challenges for feeding cities with accessible, affordable food and healthy diets. The book identifies some of the best examples from across the world on innovations in food systems and on how to implement sustainable urban food planning.

©FAO/Alessandra Benedetti ; ©FAO/Giulio Napolitano

3. Because it is good to know the state of things

Our “State of the World series” provides a comprehensive overview of the most pressing global issues and challenges affecting the world today. Topics include forests, fisheries and aquaculture, food security and nutrition, agricultural commodities and food and agriculture.

4. Because migration is a burning topic

The linkages between migration, agriculture, food security and rural development:This report looks into the reasons why people migrate from rural areas. The main goal of this title is to deepen understanding of the relations that exist between agriculture, food security and rural development. Know a lot about the topic? Test your knowledge on the misconceptions of migration in the 2018 Digital Report: The State of Food and Agriculture or find other publications on this important subject.

©FAO/Alessandra Benedetti

5. Because you can uncover amazing sites and learn that farmers are also artists

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems: Combining agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, traditional farming practices and cultural identity: With stunning pictures of remarkable sites all around the world, this publication highlights some of FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). For centuries, farmers, herders, fishers and foresters have developed diverse and locally adapted agricultural systems managed with time tested, ingenious techniques. GIAHS are outstanding landscapes that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage. There are currently 57 GIAHS-designated sites in 21 countries around the world.

Only with knowledge can we achieve a #ZeroHunger world. One of FAO’s reason for existence is to “collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information relating to nutrition, food and agriculture”.  Producing more than 700 a year, FAO’s publications range from authoritative analysis for policy-makers and expert guidance for farmers to nutritional advice for families and general knowledge for young people. For the latest releases, sign up for FAO’s publications newsletter. Happy reading!

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