The New Harvest

The New Harvest
Author: Calestous Juma
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 355
Release: 2015
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0190237236

African agriculture is currently at a crossroads, at which persistent food shortages are compounded by threats from climate change. But, as this book argues, Africa can feed itself in a generation and can help contribute to global food security. To achieve this Africa has to define agriculture as a force in economic growth by advancing scientific and technological research, investing in infrastructure, fostering higher technical training, and creating regional markets.

Business services in support of farm enterprise development: a review of relevant experiences

Business services in support of farm enterprise development: a review of relevant experiences
Author: Kahan, D.G.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 112
Release: 2007
Genre: Agricultural services
ISBN: 9789251058657

This Occasional Paper presents the study findings of approaches to the design and delivery of business services to farmers and rural entrepreneurs. Interventions aimed at business service provision and designed and developed by donors have commonly been termed Business Development Services (BDS). BDS has largely focused on reducing poverty by raising the incomes of farmers and rural entrepreneurs. The term business services, refers to the range of non financial services provided to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) at various stages in their development. They embody a market development approach to the provision of support services1. This Occasional Paper presents findings from a study conducted on approaches to the design and delivery of business services to farmers and rural entrepreneurs. The paper is based upon an extensive literature review of BDS and other business-related service interventions, supported by selected case studies in Asia and Africa. Business services are aimed at assisting farmers and rural entrepreneurs to overcome internal and external constraints to their farm business start-up, development and performance. Contained within the broad concept are such activities as group training, individual counselling, advice, the development of new commercial entities, technology development and transfer, information provision, business links and policy advocacy.

Farm management extension services: a review of global experience

Farm management extension services: a review of global experience
Author: Kahan, D.G.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 152
Release: 2007
Genre: Agricultural extension work
ISBN: 9789251058947

This Occasional Paper presents the findings of a global review of farm management extension services. The specific intentions were to: (i) assess the current status of farm management training and extension programmes; (ii) identify constraints and issues; (iii) review the performance and impact; and (iv) propose recommendations for the improved provision of farm management extension advice.

Profitability and sustainability of urban and periurban agriculture

Profitability and sustainability of urban and periurban agriculture
Author: René van Veenhuizen
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 112
Release: 2007
Genre: Agriculture
ISBN: 9789251058817

Urban agriculture (UA) is a dynamic concept that comprises a variety of livelihood systems ranging from subsistence production and processing at the household level to more commercialized agriculture. It takes place in different locations and under varying socio-economic conditions and political regimes. The diversity of UA is one of its main attributes, as it can be adapted to a wide range of urban situations and to the needs of diverse stakeholders. This paper aims to provide pertinent information on profitability and sustainability of UA to a wide audience of managers and policymakers from municipalities, ministries of agriculture, local government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), donor organizations and university research institutions. It aims to highlight the benefits of linkages between agriculture and the urban environment, leading to a more balanced understanding of the conflicts and synergies. It examines how UA can contribute substantially to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly in reducing urban poverty and hunger (MDG 1) and ensuring environmental sustainability (MDG 7).

Organic certification schemes: managerial skills and associated costs. Synthesis report from case studies in the rice and vegetable sectors

Organic certification schemes: managerial skills and associated costs. Synthesis report from case studies in the rice and vegetable sectors
Author: Santacoloma, P.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 90
Release: 2007
Genre: Natural foods
ISBN: 9789251057711

This paper studies alternative certification schemes for organic products in order to draw conclusions regarding the institutional support and technological development required for compliance with organic standards. It discusses third party certification, for both individuals and farmer groups, as well as participatory certification. Case studies from developing countries and countries in transition engaged in organic rice and organic fruit and vegetable production are examined. Issues analysed include the organizational structure and marketing strategies in the organic supply chain. The paper also discusses the institutional development that is needed to provide business and technical services and establish the quality assurance system. Organizational, managerial and business skills required by the lead stakeholders in the organic chain are analysed as well as the costs that they incur for effectively managing organic projects. Similarly, the managerial skills required at the farm level are considered as is the use of cost-benefit analysis. The paper also reviews the legal and institutional framework that facilitates organic production and certification. The paper is aimed at staff of government, private and non-government organizations working at the policy level and in the field, and at donors' organizations that support organic production and certification.

Healthy City Harvests

Healthy City Harvests
Author: Donald Cole
Publisher: International Potato Center
Total Pages: 284
Release: 2008
Genre: Food supply
ISBN: 9789290603559