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Focus on...

Ecosystem services
Ecosystem services
From biodiversity to bats, water and landscapes, we feature a selection of initiatives and approaches that are helping to support sustainable ecosystems and the services they provide, and some of the means for paying farmers to sustain them.
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Points of view

A bright future for agricultural extension?
A bright future for agricultural extension?
Specialists from around the world offer their views on the ways forward for agricultural extension, including new models of funding, the importance of public-private partnerships, use of ICT and new visions for what extension should entail.
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Research and innovation

Ecosystem services
GFARIn this edition, GFAR highlights some inspiring initiatives in this area around the world, to help inform, connect and develop new actions that further enhance ecosystem services in agriculture.
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Country profile

Uganda
Uganda
Once known as 'the pearl of Africa' Uganda has seen exploitation of its agricultural potential impeded by dictators and civil war. More recently, Uganda has made significant progress, becoming increasingly peaceful, stable and prosperous.
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My Perspective

Haven Ley
Haven Ley
Whilst women produce the majority of food in smallholder production systems, they lack status and access to key resources. Haven Ley of the Gates Foundation provides her viewpoint on how a better gender balance should be supported.
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News brief

Farmers reap increasing yields from potato venture
A fast track potato seed initiative that seeks to increase potato yields by 20 per cent is taking shape in East Africa.
Enhancing fish market information
A mobile phone based system is enabling fishermen and fish processers in Kenya to get up to date market information by text.
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Editorial

Keeping track of our changing environment and humanity's impact and dependence on natural cycles is a key theme of this edition. A new year also heralds new beginnings as New Agriculturist launches two new sections, supported by the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR).
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In pictures

Climate change - for the better?
Climate change - for the better?
In Himachal Pradesh, northern India, rising temperatures have proved a blessing for farmers who are willing and able to change their production systems and take risks with new crops. Lower altitudes are now suitable for high value vegetables and farmers in higher villages are growing apples.
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Developments

Betting on llamas in Bolivia
In Bolivia llama prices are up and demand for shawls and scarves made from alpaca fibre is increasing. But how do smallholder farmers capitalise on these optimal market conditions? One answer comes from the government's Camelid Valorisation Programme, through which ranchers are increasing their incomes, protecting the environment and transforming their lives.
Breadbasket initiative begins bearing fruits in Northern Ghana
Farmers in Northern Ghana are beginning to enjoy the fruits of a three year breadbasket initiative launched in 2010, aimed at doubling yields and increasing the food security and incomes of around 250,000 smallholder farmers.
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GFAR updates

The inventory on foresight activities: survey deadline extended
GFARTo identify and record forward-thinking activities that have been developed on issues related to agriculture, rural development and farming systems, GFAR invite you to participate in the implementation of the Inventory on Foresight Activities.
Adaptation to climatic changes through global cooperation
To accept and adapt to the unavoidable coming alternations, due to climatic changes, global cooperation is to be promoted.
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Book reviews

Growing out of poverty
Focusing on smallholder agriculture in developing countries is the most productive way to improve rural economies, provide long-term stable nutrition, help women in society and provide the means to educate the next generation. How donors and governments make this happen is the subject of this report.
Farming's climate-smart future: Placing agriculture at the heart of climate change policy
Using concrete examples of successful climate-smart agricultural practices, Farming's climate-smart future outlines opportunities for agriculture to contribute to efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
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The New Agriculturist is a WRENmedia production.