Rural 21 - The International Journal for Rural Development

In order to ensure food security and #nutrition world-wide, a fundamental transformation of the agricultural and food systems is necessary. Currently, our #foodsystems, especially the most intensive ones, contribute to harming natural resources, including #land and #water. At the same time, many forms of food production around the world do have positive roles in ecosystems preservation and restoration. #Foodsecurity #Ruraldevelopment #Argroecology #Agriculture 👉https://ow.ly/H1rj50TcmEu

Ghana recently introduced its first GMO crop, Bt cowpea, to the public, and it's creating a lot of buzz. While some see this as a step forward for agricultural innovation and food security, there’s significant controversy surrounding its launch. Many are raising concerns about the safety and environmental impact of genetically modified crops. Others worry about the influence of large biotech companies on local farming practices and the long-term effects on Ghana’s agricultural landscape. The introduction of Bt cowpea has sparked important conversations about #GMO use, food sovereignty, and the future of farming in Ghana. It's crucial that all voices are heard and that decisions are made transparently, with the wellbeing of both people and the planet in mind. 🗣️ What are your thoughts on GMOs in agriculture? Let’s discuss! Photo: © G A Chandio / Shutterstock.com

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Heifer International have teamed up to boost farm productivity and nutrition in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This collaboration aims to empower smallholder farmers by providing better access to nutritious food, innovative agricultural practices, and sustainable farming techniques. It’s all about creating healthier communities and stronger local economies. #RuralDevelopment #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #GlobalHealth #FarmersFirst #NutritionMatters Photo: Ed Ram/Concern Worldwide

Given the numerous crises throughout the world, humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly important. But it often comes too late. Around 30 % of children under the age of five years are too small for their age; this phenomenon, known as stunting, is due to lasting #malnutrition or #nutrition deficiency in the early years of life. The Welthungerhilfe seeks to counter this with measures such as its Nutrition Smart CommUnity programme. Here, nutrition and health consultants are trained in the communities, and villages are supported with appropriate seed, tools and farming, food and natural resource management training. #Ruraldevelopment #Foodsecurity #Empowerment #Health 👉https://ow.ly/uX9m50TaIxS Photo: © Kira Hofmann/photothek.net

Food systems transformation is needed urgently in the face of rising food insecurity with one in four on the planet facing hunger and extreme weather events caused by #climatechange. However, critical evidence on environmental and climate change outcomes in the regions most impacted by climate change is lacking. Recent analysis have found that research involving stakeholders in the #agriculture value chain such as small and medium enterprises and small-scale farmers, accounts for only eight per cent of global #agrifood systems research. #Foodsystem #Foodsecurity #Ruraldevelopment #Gender 👉https://ow.ly/14ct50SW8sk Photo: © Jörg Böthling

Currently, according to Fairtrade estimates, 60% of Fairtrade certified organic coffee producers, 60% of Fairtrade certified organic cocoa producers and 95% of Fairtrade organic small-scale banana producers do not meet the new EU Organic Regulation. The business and supply reliability of Fairtrade organic products, along with the livelihoods of an estimated 800,000 families, are at stake. #Foodsecurity #Trade #Poverty #Agriculture 👉https://ow.ly/CXih50STBwB

In the past ten years, food insecurity and malnutrition have alarmingly risen in African countries. The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) reported a production deficit of 30 million tons of grain in 2021, threatening the food supply for 60 to 90 million people. Key reasons include heavily weathered, nutrient-poor, and acidified soils, along with unsustainable management practices. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these challenges. Sustainable fertilizer and soil management are more critical than ever. #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth 👉https://ow.ly/HgQo50SSP3g

Livestock farming is one of the most debated sectors in the push to transform our food systems. Many in the Global North advocate for reducing or eliminating animal products from diets to lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource efficiency, and protect biodiversity. There's also growing concern about animal welfare and the health risks associated with excessive consumption of animal-sourced foods. As we rethink our agricultural practices, balancing sustainability, health, and ethics will be key to creating a more resilient food system for the future. #Sustainability #FoodSystems #Agriculture #ClimateAction 👉https://ow.ly/1fKW50SUCfB

People in the village of Derimara in Somaliland who were traditionally pastoralists, have been hard hit by drought. They once lived exclusively from their animals, moving around in search of grazing pasture. The droughts in recent years have forced them to change their way of life. #Drought #Ruraldevelopment #Foodsecurity #Livestock #Empowerment 👉https://lnkd.in/eBRGC35t

Globally, the demand of meat and dairy products is expected to grow by more than 60%, with the figure increasing in sub-Saharan countries to 70% . This is driven by rising incomes and changing dietary preferences. In Uganda, the beef industry is an important contributor to the national food system. However, if action is not taken, the sector will also significantly contribute to #greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions levels and this would make it difficult for Uganda to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution commitments for reducing emissions agreed upon with the international community. #Livestock #Diets #Ruraldevelopment #Foodsecurity 👉https://ow.ly/Aiis50SusRy