Twenty years of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
Twenty years of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2022-10-26

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13: 9251369798

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Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are agroecosystems inhabited by communities that live in an intricate relationship with their territory. These evolving sites are resilient systems characterized by remarkable agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, invaluable cultures and landscapes, sustainably managed by farmers, herders, fisherfolk, and forest people in ways that contribute to their livelihoods and food security. The following publication is a collection of success stories from different Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and aims so showcase the achievements made over the past 20 years since the establishment of the GIAHS programme of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The publication will feature success stories from 1) Tanzania 2.) China 3.) Japan 4.) Italy 5.) Spain 5.) Peru and 6. Algeria to give an insight into the what has changed since the designation of these systems as a GIAHS.

Forgotten Agricultural Heritage
Forgotten Agricultural Heritage

Author: Parviz Koohafkan

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2016-11-25

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 131547008X

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Contemporary agriculture is often criticized for its industrial scale, adverse effects on nutrition, rural employment and the environment, and its disconnectedness from nature and culture. Yet there are many examples of traditional smaller scale systems that have survived the test of time and provide more sustainable solutions while still maintaining food security in an era of climate change. This book provides a unique compilation of this forgotten agricultural heritage and is based on objective scientific evaluation and evidence of the value of these systems for present and future generations. The authors refer to many of these systems as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and show how they are related to the concepts of heritage and the World Heritage Convention. They demonstrate how GIAHS based on family farms, traditional indigenous knowledge and agroecological principles can contribute to food and nutrition security and the maintenance of agro-biodiversity and environmental resilience, as well as sustain local cultures, economies and societies. Two substantial chapters are devoted to descriptions and assessments of some 50 examples of designated and potential GIAHS from around the world, including rice-fish culture in China, mountain terrace systems in Asia, coffee agroforestry in Latin America, irrigation systems and land and water management in Iran and India, pastoralism in East Africa, and the dehesa agrosilvopastoral system of Spain and Portugal. The book concludes by providing policy and technical solutions for sustainable agriculture and rural development through the enhancement of these systems.

Agricultural Heritage Systems in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America
Agricultural Heritage Systems in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America

Author: Mauro Agnoletti

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-11-04

Total Pages: 380

ISBN-13: 3031448812

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Agriculture is often considered as one of the main threats to ecosystems. Unsustainable farming practices often result in habitat loss, inefficient use of water, soil degradation, pollution, genetic erosion, among other negative impacts on human life, including hunger, low food quality, reduced access to food resources, as well as the abandonment of rural areas. Nevertheless, when agriculture is practiced in a sustainable way, it can contribute to the preservation of many habitats, to the protection of watersheds, to the preservation and improvement of soil health. The use of sustainable and ecological practices is the key feature distinguishing traditional agriculture from intensive one. It may not provide very high yields, but ensures sustainable harvests over time, thanks to time-tested technologies and traditional know-hows and also represent examples of adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. Based on this approach, in 2002, FAO launched the concept of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, to identify and safeguard agricultural systems that are ensuring food and livelihood security, while maintaining magnificent landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, traditional knowledge, cultural and social values. This book presents 18 examples of these traditional agriculture systems around the world, with a special focus on Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, as a result of the “GIAHS Building Capacity” project co-funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI) of the University of Florence (Italy).

Hand in hand with nature – Nature-based Solutions for transformative agriculture
Hand in hand with nature – Nature-based Solutions for transformative agriculture

Author: Arnés García, M., Santivañez, T.

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2021-07-05

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9251344884

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This report seeks to provide the countries in the Europe and Central Asia region with an overview and real examples of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) applied to agriculture. This is FAO’s first attempt to present NBS applied to agriculture especially pointed at the countries of this region, prompting the scaling-up of these actions as solutions to brought ashore the transition towards resilience and sustainable agriculture. Nature-based Solution is a recent concept that has been rapidly embraced and promoted by international organizations, government bodies, scientific research, and social organizations to face current societal challenges. In agriculture, these solutions are supported by ecosystems functioning to provide food security and livelihoods. By doing so, natural resources and biodiversity are managed in such a way that they maintain their functions providing ecosystem services to the agro-ecosystem. Europe and Central Asia is a highly diverse region in which agri-food systems have had to adapt to severe and context-specific conditions. Therefore, it is also a treasure trove of NbS in agriculture, ingeniously developed and maintained by its local communities for centuries. By providing time-tested successful NbS examples coming from Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), this report encourages the recognition and identification of already existing NbS in the region as supportive actions that could be enhanced thanks to innovation and science. This way "Hand in Hand with nature: Nature-based solutions for transformative agriculture" supports ECA countries to manage natural resources sustainably while also coping with climate change and other threats to agri-food systems.

Satoyama--satoumi Ecosystems and Human Well-being
Satoyama--satoumi Ecosystems and Human Well-being

Author: Anantha K. Duraiappah

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789280812107

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"Satoyama" is a Japanese term describing mosaic landscapes of different ecosystems--secondary forests, farm lands, irrigation ponds and grasslands--along with human settlements managed to produce bundles of ecosystem services for human wellbeing. The concept of "satoyama," longstanding traditions associated with land management practices that allow sustainable use of natural resources, has been extended to cover marine and coastal ecosystems ( "satoumi"). These landscapes and seascapes have been rapidly changing, and the ecosystem services they provide are under threat from various social, economic, political, and technological factors. "Satoyama-Satoumi Ecosystems and Human Well-Being" presents the findings of the Japan Satoyama Satoumi Assessment (JSSA), a study of the interaction between humans and ecosystems in Japan. It was written by the 200-plus authors, stakeholders, and reviewers from Japan and elsewhere who make up the JSSA team. The study analyzes changes that have occurred in "satoyama-satoumi" ecosystems over the last 50 years and identifies plausible future scenarios for the year 2050, taking into account various drivers such as governmental and economic policy, climate change, technology, and sociobehavioral responses. This provides a new approach to land-use planning that addresses not only economic development but also cultural values and ecological integrity. This book is a key reference text for development planners, policymakers, scientists, postgraduate students, and others interested in the environment and development.

Sustainable Intensification
Sustainable Intensification

Author: Jules N. Pretty

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-06-25

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 1136529276

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Continued population growth, rapidly changing consumption patterns and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are driving limited resources of food, energy, water and materials towards critical thresholds worldwide. These pressures are likely to be substantial across Africa, where countries will have to find innovative ways to boost crop and livestock production to avoid becoming more reliant on imports and food aid. Sustainable agricultural intensification - producing more output from the same area of land while reducing the negative environmental impacts - represents a solution for millions of African farmers. This volume presents the lessons learned from 40 sustainable agricultural intensification programmes in 20 countries across Africa, commissioned as part of the UK Government's Foresight project. Through detailed case studies, the authors of each chapter examine how to develop productive and sustainable agricultural systems and how to scale up these systems to reach many more millions of people in the future. Themes covered include crop improvements, agroforestry and soil conservation, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, horticulture, livestock and fodder crops, aquaculture, and novel policies and partnerships.

Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century
Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century

Author: Committee on Twenty-First Century Systems Agriculture

Publisher:

Published: 2010-06-25

Total Pages: 598

ISBN-13: 9780309387439

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In the last 20 years, there has been a remarkable emergence of innovations and technological advances that are generating promising changes and opportunities for sustainable agriculture, yet at the same time the agricultural sector worldwide faces numerous daunting challenges. Not only is the agricultural sector expected to produce adequate food, fiber, and feed, and contribute to biofuels to meet the needs of a rising global population, it is expected to do so under increasingly scarce natural resources and climate change. Growing awareness of the unintended impacts associated with some agricultural production practices has led to heightened societal expectations for improved environmental, community, labor, and animal welfare standards in agriculture. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century assesses the scientific evidence for the strengths and weaknesses of different production, marketing, and policy approaches for improving and reducing the costs and unintended consequences of agricultural production. It discusses the principles underlying farming systems and practices that could improve the sustainability. It also explores how those lessons learned could be applied to agriculture in different regional and international settings, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on a systems approach to improving the sustainability of U.S. agriculture, this book can have a profound impact on the development and implementation of sustainable farming systems. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century serves as a valuable resource for policy makers, farmers, experts in food production and agribusiness, and federal regulatory agencies.

FAO: Challenges and Opportunities in a Global World
FAO: Challenges and Opportunities in a Global World

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2019-05-01

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 925131411X

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This illustrated volume identifies the challenges and opportunities facing food and agriculture in the context of the 2030 Agenda, presents solutions for a more sustainable world and shows how FAO has been working in recent years to support its Member Nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

FAO publications catalogue 2023
FAO publications catalogue 2023

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2023-10-10

Total Pages: 148

ISBN-13: 9251380570

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This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2023 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition.