'Cassava farmers in the semi-arid zones of sub-Saharan Africa are now enjoying 6-10 times better yields thanks to a new variety developed by International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, that is well-adapted to the dry or drought-prone conditions of the region.'

'World agriculture has entered a new, unsustainable, and politically risky period. Agriculture—and the natural resources it depends on—has been overexploited ecologically, has suffered from underinvestment, has recently been exposed to ill-designed bioenergy programs, and has been politically sidelined for too long. It is now at a critical point. Appropriate responses to the food and agriculture price and productivity crises are lacking. A global initiative for accelerated agriculture produc more...

This guide examines the types of public interventions that can improve food safety as part of the process of economic development and poses useful questions to help understand the food safety system. An initial motivation for such interventions may arise in marketing food exports to countries with higher standards. Because food safety is a significant public health threat in developing countries, larger benefits from food safety interventions can be obtained when these also address the domestic more...

This study provides an overview of the current state of organic agriculture in Kenya, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. For each country, information is provided on the organic sector stakeholders, production, domestic markets, exports, standards, certification and policies. It also highlights the potential benefits of increased regional cooperation in this area, including harmonization of organic standards. Finally, the study makes a number of recommendations to promote the further de more...

Food security is an issue of great concern in many countries, particularly in Africa. The evidence presented in this study supports the argument that organic agriculture can be good for food security in Africa — equal or better than most conventional systems and more likely to be sustainable in the longer-term. The 15 case studies examined in-depth have shown increases in per hectare productivity for food crops, increased farmer incomes, environmental benefits, strengthened communities and enh more...

The purpose of this publication was to identify “good practices” within different agricultural extension and advisory service institutions that have used new agricultural innovations, in order to improve rural livelihoods and, to educate farmers to use sustainable natural resource management practices in different countries.

Since its creation in the mid-1990s, the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) has carved a special niche for itself among upland rice farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Today, it is a symbol of hope for food security in SSA—the most impoverished region in the world, where a staggering one-third of the people are undernourished, and half the population struggle to survive on US$1 a day or less.

This compedium brings together the results of the scientif research on the NERICA varieties, ranging from the choice of land to planting, integrated crop and pest management, harvest and post-harvest operations, agro-processing technologies and NERICA nutritional quality, and adoption impact on rice farmers’ livelihoods.

Humanitarian news and analysis on Food Security. Sponosred by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

'Modern science and technology offer tremendous opportunities for improving the well-being of current and future generations and the environment. However, they also embody risks. Science and technology must be guided toward outcomes desired by society. Guiding science and technology to benefit the poor and food insecure in developing countries is the focus of this set of policy briefs. It presents relevant evidence regarding actual and potential benefits and risks associated with a number of tec more...