The New Agriculturist

The New Agriculturist edition 2008-05

In this issue...

In this edition we report on interesting initiatives to promote potato as an alternative staple in an economic climate where food prices continue to affect the poor. Concerns over global use of water are also highlighted.

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist

Focus on... Potato

Potato has provided food security for millions of people over thousands of years. We look at the continuing potential of this much-valued staple and the challenges ahead.

Climate change - can potato stand the heat?

Potato production is already migrating to higher, cooler altitudes Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall distribution and concentrations of greenhouse gases will affect where potato is grown in the future. But scientists are hopeful it will weather the storm.

Cashing in on chips

There is a growing taste for chips in East Africa (credit: B Lemaga) The demand for potato chips (French fries) is booming in East Africa. Policy and financial support for in-country, commercial processing of potatoes into chips, combined with improved supply of suitable potato varieties, could bring about a strong regional chip trade.

Ever-present danger - late blight

Late blight quickly attacks the foliage of potato plants, and tubers (credit: David Shaw) Late blight is still a formidable enemy of potato growers worldwide, able to wipe out entire crops in just a few weeks. Over 150 years since it triggered the Irish Potato Famine, scientists and farmers are still fighting the ever-mutating fungus.

Developments

Sharing knowledge - tell us a story

Barley farmers discuss crop traits during a conference field trip (credit: ICARDA) Participatory plant breeding depends on good communication between farmers and researchers. Recent experience in Syria suggests that storytelling is an ideal way for farmers to share their knowledge and observations, both with their peers and with crop breeders.

Africa's concerns over biosafety

African countries are concerned about their ability to meet their olibigations for the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety. (credit: FAO/G Napolitano) Prior to the next major meeting of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to be held in 2010 in Japan, African countries have raised concerns about their capacity to implement the Protocol guidelines and to meet reporting obligations.

Book reviews

Reviews of some of the latest publications related to agriculture and rural development. The lead book in this edition is 'Eat Your Heart Out' by investigative journalist Felicity Lawrence.

Bakary Kante of UNEP

Bakary Kante of UNEP gives his viewpoint on common resources, which as the backbone of sustainability need to be protected and shared at a global level for the benefit of all citizens.

Points of view: Coming clean on wastewater irrigation

Farmers and consumers are at risk from irrigation with contaminated water (credit: FAO/G Napolitano) Wastewater is an invaluable asset for urban and peri-urban agriculture, but also carries health risks for farmers and consumers. At World Water Week 2008, experts in water management, health and agriculture offered their views on the importance of wastewater and ways of preventing disease transmission.