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This brochure provides an overview of FAO's work on Rural Institutions, Services and Empowerment, notably in regard to the challenges and ways forward for tackling hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity from social, territorial, financial and institutional perspectives. FAO's work in these areas aims to unlock the development potential of rural areas, reduce inequalities, promote inclusive finance and advisory service systems and contribute to socio-economic empowerment of rural women and men. 

An overview of the current scientific knowledge available on climate change implications for fisheries and aquaculture is provided through three technical papers that were presented and discussed during the Expert Workshop on Climate Change Implications for Fisheries and Aquaculture (Rome, 7�9 April 2008). A summary of the workshop outcomes as well as key messages on impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems and on fisheries- and aquaculture-based livelihoods are provided in the introduction of this Technical Paper. The first paper reviews the physical and ecological impacts of climate change relevant to marine and inland capture fisheries and aquaculture. The paper begins [...]

Moving Forward presents highlights of FAO’s work in forestry in 2016 and 2017 to put the Organization’s Strategic Objectives into action. During the period, in addition to extensive activities under the regular programme, the FAO Forestry programme had more than 170 ongoing projects in over 60 countries aimed at achieving transformational impacts that benefit FAO member countries. There is a strong need in forestry for coordinated global responses involving best practices, peer-to-peer learning, capacity development, technology development and transfer, expert analysis and multistakeholder involvement – in short, for the services that FAO and its partners are striving to provide. As [...]

This brief is based on the Forum’s discussion on “Rural migration, agriculture and rural development”. It presents experts’views on  the causes and impacts of migration and the best ways to address the needs of affected communities and individuals. While migration has long been part of a wider process of development and structural transformation, migrants often feel  they have no choice but to leave home, due to poverty or other harsh conditions. Despite the focus on international migration, most migrants move within their home countries. See all ongoing and past discussion on the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition • FSN Forum   Also available [...]

FAO promotes the use and scale up of Cash+ as a tool for emergency response, strengthening resilience and reducing rural poverty. The Cash+ model supports the enhancement of vibrant and diversified livelihoods, providing an important safety net against shocks and stresses for poor and vulnerable rural households. As such, the model has great transformative potential. Cash+ is a tool for quick-impact humanitarian response and recovery as well as serving as a component of long-term social protection and resilience programmes. FAO’s work on Cash+ is based on field experience and research, which show the potential of this tool to sustainably enhance the [...]

The report assesses the occurrence and impacts of drought, the current policies underlying drought management as well as the mitigation measures and responses adopted in the Near East and North Africa region, with a focus on the Agriculture Sector. It is the third of a series of similar studies carried out in different regions and countries of the world, with the objective of shedding light on drought effects, sensitizing policy-makers for the much needed paradigm shift to pro-active drought management planning and providing guidance for the development of such policies.  The studies are carried out by FAO, in collaboration with the Water for Food Institute, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, as a direct [...]

This discussion aims to gather the approaches and strategies used in SIDS to adapt to climate change, while building resilience of the most poor and vulnerable. Particularly, its purpose is:   to learn how SIDS are reducing the exposure of the poor and most vulnerable people to climate change and climate related events; to learn about pathways, tools and challenges, including recommendations for effectively building adaptive capacity to eradicate poverty and achieving food security and nutrition within the context of climate change.  The discussion focuses on the following questions: Can you share examples of actions that are being undertaken to reduce poverty, food insecurity and nutrition [...]

The publication complements the FAO Guiding Framework on gender-sensitive value chain development by providing practical tools and examples of successful approaches to address the gender-based constraints that affect agrifood value chains. The guidelines are intended to assist practitioners in integrating gender equality dimensions more effectively in the design and implementation of value chain interventions in the agricultural sector. See also: Developing Gender-Sensitive Value Chains. A Guiding Framework

The main objective of the Forum is to reach a better understanding of the drivers and impacts of migrations for forward-looking policies and programmes. Speakers Kostas Stamoulis, Assistant Director-General, Economic and Social Development Department, FAO Gianni Bonini, Vice-President, CIHEAM Anna Triandafyllidou, Global Governance Programme, EUI Saïd Bhira, Special Counsellor to the Secretary General, UfM Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit at EC - DG DEVCO, European Commission Luca Maestripieri, Deputy Director General, General Directorate for Development Cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Leonardo Carmenati, Director, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation At the crossroads of three continents, all Mediterranean countries are areas of origin, destination and [...]

In Lesotho, social protection plays an important role in protecting poor and vulnerable people from natural hazards saving lives and livelihoods, while also enhancing families’ capacity to cope, respond and withstand threats and crises.  In 2009 rural poor in Lesotho started receiving cash transfers through the Child Grant Programme. This brought positive impacts on the local economy, education and school enrolment, children living standards and agriculture production.  Cash transfers are a powerful tool to combat hunger and poverty. This video highlights and raise awareness on how social protection impacts can be maximized.