Success stories

In Southern Africa, smallholder agricultural production remains low, leaving farmers unable to meet household and national food requirements. Low production levels, particularly for cereal crops, are largely the result of erratic and unreliable rainfall rates and the failure of agricultural techniques to mitigate such conditions. Compounded by farmers’ inefficient use of agricultural resources (use of labour, soil supplements and rain water) current farming methods often contribute to soil degradation. Other factors include the limited use of improved seed and fertilizers, and inadequate agricultural extension systems. Increasing productivity in the face of climate variability is central to strengthening the resilience of...

20/07/2015 - Kuehne Foundation and FAO signed an agreement last year to cooperate in supporting rural livelihoods through improved logistics. The combined capacities of both organizations increase the impact of their respective efforts to reduce food losses and waste. Kuehne Foundation and FAO are working together to respond to the increasing amount of crises and emergencies to increase the resilience of livelihoods from disasters. Martin Willhaus, Managing director from Kuehne Foundation reflects on the results of the partnership so far and the importance of boosting public-private partnerships as FAO is doing. Why is enhancing logistics in the agro-food systems so important for...

Agricultural production and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa remain significantly lower than the global average. There is an urgent need to address the production gap and enhance the adaptive capacity of Africa’s agricultural landscapes, considering the rapidly growing population and changing climate. Interest in enhancing sustainable rice and aquaculture productivity across the continent is at an all-time high. 

09/04/2015 - Since the agreement between FAO and Rabobank Foundation was signed in 2013, the two organizations have made great progress in joint programs in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. The cooperation is based on the complementarity of the two organizations. Where FAO has extensive knowledge and experience in agricultural development, the Foundation can provide loans to help small-scale farmers access finances from existing financial institutions in their countries. It can also provide a track record for potential future financing by financial institutions. In addition, both FAO and the Rabobank Foundation have experience in providing capacity building in areas related to...

No one feels the effects of climate change quite like farmers. In Mongolia, the growing season lasts for just 90 days and weather conditions have grown increasingly unpredictable, affecting crop production and, in turn, dietary diversity and nutrition. Malnutrition is high and diets are highly imbalanced.