Creating city region food systems
<p>As cities continue to expand and ever more people migrate to urban areas, current unsustainable patterns of urbanisation and ineffective policies are no longer acceptable. The typical approaches that
Farming Matters
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Our 2P approach
Land is more than a production resource. In the rural areas of countries like Nepal it determines an individual’s socio-economic status, and is therefore strongly related to power issues. Landlessness
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San Isidro’s “food circle”
This article looks at a system designed and implemented by members of an indigenous community in central Ecuador, which, by localising food production, distribution and consumption, ties together a series
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“Let’s go local”
Located in the western Pacific ocean, Pohnpei Island is the largest island of the state of Pohnpei, one of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Although rich in biodiversity,
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Neglected no more
With less than one percent of the world’s area, Nepal is home to a disproportionately large number of plant species. Yet large numbers of the population are food insecure, and hunger and malnutrition are
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Incredible edible Todmorden: Eating the street
The Yorkshire village of Todmorden has taken local food to heart – and to the street. The planting of food crops at forty public locations throughout the village offer locals, and visitors, the chance
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"We'ill continue with our observations"
<p>Local knowledge systems are always developing, especially in times of change.<br /> The meteorological effects of El Niño, and climate change in general, motivated farmers and researchers in Indonesia to set up a close learning partnership. Working together, and observing the rains in detail, provided new information which helped the farmers adapt their agricultural strategies.
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Re-assessing the fodder problem
Small-scale farmers depend largely on their animals and need to feed them well. Technology based innovations have been the mainstream solution to improve the fodder problem. But making farmers find relevant information and networks appears to be as much effective for innovation.
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Dealing with animal disease
One way for "dollar-poor" small-scale farmers to increase their income per hectare is to switch to higher value agricultural products, such as meat, milk or eggs. Stronger engagement in livestock production, however, exposes smallholders to additional risks, such as losing their animals through theft, predation or disease.
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Unpacking a poultry myth
Local vs Exotic poultry ("Improved" poultry breeds do not always improve farmers
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Livestock services to family farmers: free or fee?
Two views: Livestock services are crucial for a healthy, resilient stock of animals. Small-scale family farmers need these services too, but how do they profit best and how can service delivery become most sustainable? Should it be