http://www.new-ag.info The New Agriculturist - New Agriculturist online provides an update on the latest news and developments in tropical agriculture for a global audience.en-gb Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:14:10 +0000 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:14:10 +0000 Copyright: (C) WRENmedia, http://www.wrenmedia.co.uk s.thorp@wrenmedia.co.uk (Susanna Thorp) webmaster@wrenmedia.co.uk (New Agriculturist webmaster) http://www.new-ag.info/image/design/new-ag_tn.jpg http://www.new-ag.info 144 144 New Agriculturist RSS feed At the start of a new year and a new decade, it is a time to look forward and constructively face the challenges that lie ahead. In this edition, we review the outcomes of the Copenhagen summit and what has still to be achieved but also the success of agricultural development over recent decades and the lessons learnt for the future. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1132&s=r Editorial http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/index.php-1132-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pineapples are, in yield per hectare, the most productive crop in the world; however, processing the crop for production of juice or chopped fruit creates signficant waste. Pineapple exporter Blueskies Ghana Limited is turning waste into an opportunity, producing compost which is sold to local farmers at a subsidised price. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1106&s=r In pictures http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/picture.php-1106-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The message of the World Bank's new development report is that 'a climate-smart world is within reach if we act now, act together, and act differently.' And, depending on the levels of financial and technical assistance provided by high-income countries, developing countries should be able to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising their development. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1053&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1053-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT When it comes to the debate over food miles, Fair miles argues that locally produced food can cause greater emissions of greenhouse gases, and that consumers in the West can harm the livelihoods of millions of poor farmers in developing countries if they stop buying their produce. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1055&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1055-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Invasive species have wrought havoc on both natural ecosystems and farming systems of the Pacific islands. But a more reliable science of biocontrol, and a renewed commitment to networking across the region, mean that biocontrol can now take its place in helping restore equilibrium within the fragile ecosystems of the islands. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1121&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/develop/dev1.php-1121-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT With help from Farm Concern International, onion farmers in Nyeri, Kenya, have grouped together to form commercial villages. By improving their marketing and farming practices, these farmer groups have successfully increased their yields and incomes. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1060&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson/focuson4.php-1060-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT In a drought-prone province of southern Zambia, community groups are investing in drip irrigation to grow year-round high value vegetables for tapping into the lucrative hotel catering supply chain. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1126&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson/focuson7.php-1126-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Agriculture is often responsible for deforestation in Ecuador. But the Rainforest Alliance and its partner, Conservación y Desarrollo (CyD), have been working to improve farming practices in order to increase production, improve cocoa quality and access to premium markets, reduce costs and, at the same time, conserve biodiversity. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1058&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson/focuson6.php-1058-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded nine grants, worth US$120 million, to help small-scale farmers grow more food sustainably. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1046&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1046-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Large supermarket chains have risen to prominence in Beijing, but there is still a place for China's small-scale farmers. Smallholders of Wuchuan County, Inner Mongolia have cooperated and overcome great distance to put their potatoes on supermarket shelves. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1057&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson/focuson1.php-1057-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Millions fed is the result of a project to identify and assess successful interventions in agricultural development over the last 50 years. We asked a selection of development practitioners for their views on whether the lessons learnt from these case studies are relevant to the increasingly complex challenges which will be faced during the next 50 years. 11/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1133&s=r Points of view http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/pov.php-1133-11/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Soil degradation has led to reduced crop yields in Malawi. But conservation agriculture - preserving soil structure by practising minimum tillage farming and planting the nitrogen-fixing Faidherbia albida acacia tree - could restore degraded land, reduce input costs and potentially triple maize yields. 07/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1036&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/develop/dev2.php-1036-07/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The rapid growth in demand for pork in Vietnam represents an opportunity for smallholders to improve their incomes. But limited access to improved breeds, inputs, veterinary services and markets has constrained smallholders from benefiting fully from market opportunities presented by this rising demand. To help inform policymakers and development agencies working in the livestock sector, a collaborative project led by ILRI* (International Livestock Research Institute) has mapped the supply chains for various Vietnamese markets for piglets and pork products. Through this, the researchers have determined that some more efficient smallholder units exist, which helps provide empirical evidence to support the development of the smallholder sector. 07/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1125&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson/focuson3.php-1125-07/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT According to one of the world's largest law firms, the Surui, a Brazilian tribe in the Amazon, owns carbon rights and can claim benefits under any deals involving Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) arrangements. 07/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1117&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1117-07/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Already under threat from over-fishing, habitat loss and weak management, fisheries and aquaculture are in a poor position to cope with the impact of climate change, a new FAO report warns. 07/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1118&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1118-07/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The role of the media as an effective player in agricultural and rural development is undervalued. So what are the challenges and opportunities for the media to promote more effective agricultural development? We ask experts for their perspectives. 07/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1031&s=r Points of view http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/pov.php-1031-07/01/10 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT A guide for tracking results in agricultural development has been published to provide some tips and recommendations based on experiences drawn from around the world. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1138&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1138-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Traditionally, Kenya has enjoyed the reputation of being the best producer of Arabica coffee in the world. But in recent years, Kenyan Arabica has been blended with coffee from other sources and, as a result, Uganda has overtaken Kenya in the coffee stakes. In response, the government has taken a number of steps to improve Kenya's performance as a quality coffee producer. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1122&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/develop/dev3.php-1122-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Launched in April 2008, the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) has revolutionised coffee sales. Initially focussed on immediate sale and delivery of beans, the Exchange is now moving towards trade in coffee futures and speciality coffees. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1124&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson/focuson2.php-1124-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Global food production must be doubled by 2040 if demand is to be met. Views on how this may be achieved are presented but with an underlying insistence that the basis on which food production is organised needs to be radically overhauled. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1049&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1049-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Torrential rain across Kenya has left thousands in need of aid. At least twenty people have died as a result of flash floods and more than 70,000 in eastern and northeast Kenya have been affected as homes, livestock and crops have been swept away. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1134&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1134-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Despite high hopes for achieving a planned international mechanism to distribute billions of dollars in payments for reducing deforestation at Copenhagen, the outcome for REDD was incomplete, the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has said. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1127&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1127-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT From pigs and potatoes in Vietnam and Inner Mongolia, to coffee, rice, onions and high-value vegetables in Africa and cocoa in the rainforests of Ecuador, we highlight how farmers are coming together to improve their access to established markets and take advantage of emerging market opportunities. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1039&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson.php-1039-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Fears that production of cocoa in 2009-10 will lag behind demand for the fourth successive year have pushed commodity prices up to their highest level for over 30 years. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1135&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1135-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT After the conclusion of the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, Ajay Vashee reflects on the outcomes and highlights the importance of staying actively engaged in the process for achieving an international framework. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1040&s=r My perspective... a personal viewpoint http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/perspective.php-1040-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Rice production in Nigeria is generally unable to meet the quality and quantity demanded by urban consumers, who prefer better quality and cheaper rice from Thailand and Vietnam. However, with the backing of a local bank and the support of a marketing development project, women rice parboilers in Kano State have become traders of rice and, with the introduction of new technology, improved the quality of the rice they sell. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1041&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/focuson/focuson5.php-1041-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT China has granted its first GM staple food crops biosafety certificates for smallscale field trials. 06/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1129&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1129-06/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT A 16-year long trade dispute over import tariffs on bananas, between Latin American countries and the European Union, has been settled with a deal between the two parties at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1120&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1120-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Indigenous food systems provide many economic, nutritional and cultural benefits and also contribute to food security. Using 12 case studies from around the world, this book provides a fascinating insight into the strengths of local food systems and the richness of their resources. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1050&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1050-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Described by Greenpeace as 'a major step forward for climate protection', four of the world's biggest beef and leather exporters have agreed not to buy or sell cattle from newly deforested areas of the Amazon. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1004&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1004-05/01/10 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, agriculture in Colombia reflects the country's range of terrains, climates and altitudes. But, despite its wealth of natural resources, a host of issues have caused its rural areas to remain locked in poverty. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1056&s=r Country profile http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/countryp.php-1056-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Small-scale dairy farmers in South and South East Asia (as elsewhere) must fully understand their farm costs and income if they are to develop profitable businesses. This manual provides the basis for a taught course in farm business management, with particular reference to smallholder dairying. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1048&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1048-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Climate change is already impacting millions of farmers across Africa. But rarely are their voices heard. In Climate frontline, African men and women describe, in their own words, the strategies they have implemented in order to adapt and cope with their changing climate. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1054&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1054-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT When farmers become shareholders in the companies that process or export their produce, what benefits does it bring and to whom? Four case studies are discussed, including Ghanaian chocolate and Rwandan tea. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1043&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1043-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Centre for learning on sustainable agriculture (ILEIA) has recently launched Farming matters: Small-scale agriculture for a sustainable society. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1128&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1128-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT A new approach to making the best use of agricultural research findings has resulted in grants being made to four projects in East, Central and Southern Africa. 05/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1123&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1123-05/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Scientists have sequenced the genome of maize and cassava, providing vital information that will accelerate the development of new and more productive varieties of these staple crops, and assist breeding programmes to develop varieties specifically adapted to the needs of smallscale farmers in developing countries. 04/01/10 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1119&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/brief.php-1119-04/01/10 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT By providing an in-depth analysis of why and how policies, programmes and investments in agricultural developments have helped to reduce hunger and malnutrition across the world in the last 50 years, Millions fed aims to inform future policy and funding initiatives. 17/12/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1052&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1052-17/12/09 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Debate surrounding the potential impact of genetically modified (GM) crops in developing countries is often polarised. By examining the experiences of resource-poor farmers with Bt cotton, Biotechnology and agricultural development offers a more balanced analysis. 17/12/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1051&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1051-17/12/09 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Urban agriculture can offer many benefits to cities, as well as to growers and consumers. Adopting the cultivation of indigenous vegetables in urban areas could increase the benefits, through improved nutrition, income and creation of job opportunities for women in particular. 17/12/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1047&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/10/01/books.php-1047-17/12/09 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Renowned for their inter-island trade, Pacific Islanders are struggling to participate in global markets. But with support from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, small companies are benefitting from the export of high-value, low-volume goods. 09/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=996&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/develop/dev4.php-996-09/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT With heavy rain already beginning to flood parts of East Africa, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that further El Niño rains could compound the humanitarian crisis caused by drought. 09/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1028&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1028-09/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Small farmers are helping CIAT develop improved varieties of bush and climbing beans. This picture story, from the town of Darién in Colombia's Western Andes, documents this participatory process and sheds light both on CIAT's research, lives of bean farmers and the techniques used in traditional bean production. 06/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=981&s=r In pictures http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/picture.php-981-06/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Despite concerns over the forthcoming Copenhagen climate summit and whether a global treaty will be achieved, positive work continues to be done to address the challenges at a local level, which should inspire and encourage us. In this issue, we highlight some of the policies and agricultural approaches that are bringing benefits to rural communities. 06/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1032&s=r Editorial http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/index.php-1032-06/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hundreds of people have died and over a million have been displaced by typhoons in South Asia and a tsunami in the South Pacific. 06/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1016&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1016-06/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT After an 11 year civil war, which crippled economic, political and social structures, Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world. But, with vast natural resources and government backing, the country has enormous potential. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=998&s=r Country profile http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/countryp.php-998-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT With as much as 60 per cent of livestock in Kenya's South Rift Valley lost during a two-year drought, local community elders have commissioned a survey to investigate the impacts. The findings are guiding their discussions on how to be better prepared for drought in future. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1018&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/develop/dev3.php-1018-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In Southern Africa up to 80 per cent of families keep chickens. Improving village chicken production is a practical manual that provides the basic information necessary to increase poultry productivity and control disease outbreaks. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1012&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1012-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nature is clearly under threat from habitat degradation, pollution, invasive species, overexploitation, and climate change. Conservation for a new era clearly and colourfully sets out the challenges and opportunities facing biodiversity conservation in the 21st century. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1024&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1024-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In 2007/8, violent popular demonstrations were experienced across 30 countries as food prices spiralled. A further 75 million were added to the ranks of the hungry and an estimated 125 million were driven into extreme poverty. What caused this calamitous crisis is the subject of The food wars. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1022&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1022-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Why is the world getting fatter, and who is to blame? Is it down to individuals, suffering an epidemic of gluttony, or is it more complicated? It's much more complicated, say the authors of this highly readable analysis of global obesity. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1010&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1010-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Water users in Tanzania's Great Ruaha River basin have used a role playing board game to better understand how their use of water impacts on others. The game has helped to improve collaboration and guided communities and river basin managers in water allocation decisions. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1020&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/focuson/focuson5.php-1020-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Water stress is currently one of the most severe environmental problems facing China today. In response, the government has begun to introduce a system of water rights designed to encourage water conservation and support farmers. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1017&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/focuson/focuson4.php-1017-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Beni district in north east Bolivia is prone to both flooding and drought. Recently, an ancient irrigation system first developed 3,000 years ago has been revived, enabling farmers to capture and control floodwater, and so cope better when rains fail. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1015&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/focuson/focuson3.php-1015-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Instead of trying to persuade farmers to switch from 'thirsty', but profitable, cotton and sugarcane production, WWF-Pakistan has introduced Better Management Practices, with impressive results. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1014&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/focuson/focuson2.php-1014-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Horticulture, Kenya's leading foreign exchange earner is faced with two serious challenges: prolonged dry weather and low export demand. In response, growers are adopting new technology, including hydroponics, and improving the efficiency of water and nutrient usage. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1029&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/develop/dev1.php-1029-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In China, afforestation could be turning the tide against rampant desertification. A tree-planting project in the Kubuqi desert has been described as a flagship project by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=999&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/develop/dev2.php-999-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Quesungual Slash and Mulch Agroforestry System, which draws on ancient tree and shrub management methods, is proving its worth in Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia. As an alternative to slash-and-burn, the system is enabling farmers to restore degraded soils, replenish water resources and increase their crop harvests. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1030&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/focuson/focuson6.php-1030-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Received wisdom has long been that the more water applied the higher the yield of rice. But recent research and widespread farmer experience has proved that this is not so. 05/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1000&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/focuson/focuson1.php-1000-05/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In this Focus on water in agriculture, we highlight some of the approaches and initiatives from Bolivia, China, Nicaragua, Tanzania and Pakistan that are helping to conserve water, improve agricultural productivity and provide greater benefits to farming communities. 04/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=993&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/focuson.php-993-04/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Farmers from Peru and Ethiopia have called on policymakers to establish protected indigenous bio-cultural territories as areas for conserving and sustainably using agricultural biodiversity. 04/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1008&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1008-04/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT A team of international scientists has successfully decoded the DNA of the potato blight pathogen. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1003&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1003-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT The food economy describes some of the key trends facing global food production: consequences of globalisation, foreign direct investment and the biofuel boom are all included. The authors urge much greater coherence in food, trade, health, environmental and agricultural policies. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1011&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1011-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Feeding the Planet is one of 12 books that comprise "The Sustainability Project", covering the challenges posed by globalization and offering practical solutions for the 21st century. For informing, educating and stimulating debate and action, the project will provide a lasting and valuable resource. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1021&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1021-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Nile Basin Reforestation Project in Uganda is the first in Africa that will receive money from the World Bank's BioCarbon Fund for reducing carbon emissions. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1027&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1027-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT After decades of decline, per capita food production in sub-Saharan Africa grew for the first time in 2008, says the FAO in a new report. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1026&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1026-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT From seed to market, the good agricultural practices (GAP) website is designed to provide extension officers and agricultural development workers with practical solutions to help irrigated rice farmers boost yields, and improve grain quality and production efficiency. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1025&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1025-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Reliance on natural resources, poverty and poor governance have made Africa particularly vulnerable to climate change. IIED director, Camilla Toulmin, examines the science, politics and policies involved. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1023&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1023-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In the midst of Kenya's worst drought for 20 years, John Kamanga, coordinator of a land owners' association based in the South Rift valley, reflects on how livestock rearing can be sustained, both in the short and long term. 02/11/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1019&s=r My perspective... a personal viewpoint http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/perspective.php-1019-02/11/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Farmers in the village of Adi Ha in Tigray, Ethiopia have been offered insurance against the weather in order to reduce their risk from crop failures. 29/10/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1007&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1007-29/10/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In developing countries, there is often a gap between people's water needs and the water services available. Climbing the water ladder details how multiple-use water services are best suited to meeting these multiple needs. 27/10/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1013&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/books.php-1013-27/10/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Normally cassava roots begin to degrade within a few days due to post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD), but a consignment of carotene-rich roots, accidently left in storage for two months, were found in perfect condition. 26/10/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1009&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1009-26/10/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Forest communities on the Indonesian island of Java have recently been certified by the Rainforest Alliance, on behalf of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), for responsibly managing their forest. 26/10/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1006&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1006-26/10/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In developing countries, climate change will cause yields to decline and prices to rise, increasing the numbers of malnourished children by 25 million by 2050, according to a new IFPRI study. 26/10/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1005&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1005-26/10/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Honey bees with a genetic trait that enables them to search out and kill Varroa mites are being developed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in America. 26/10/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1002&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1002-26/10/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT A two-year project, Nourishing the Planet, designed to highlight innovations in agriculture that can nourish people as well as the planet, has recently been launched by the Worldwatch Institute. 26/10/09 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=1001&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/09/06/brief.php-1001-26/10/09 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT