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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. We help developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. Since our founding in 1945, we have focused special attention on developing rural areas, home to 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people.
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Displaying 4791 - 4795 of 5074Sustainable Land Management - NR fact sheet
One out of every three people on earth is in some way affected by land degradation. Latest
estimates indicate that nearly 2 billion ha of land worldwide – an area twice the size of China
– are already seriously degraded, some irreversibly. This includes large areas of cropland,
grassland, woodland and forest areas whose degradation reduces productivity, disrupts vital
ecosystem functions, negatively affects biodiversity and water resources, and increases
vulnerability to climate change.
Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands (LADA) - NR fact sheet
Land degradation is a serious problem that crosses national borders, ecological zones and
socio-economic levels. It can be especially devastating for the world’s poorest people living
in dryland areas. The Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands (LADA) project, executed
by FAO with funding from UNEP, GEF and others, assesses the causes and impacts of
land degradation at global, national and local levels in order to detect hot spots and identify
remedial measures. LADA approaches land degradation as a biophysical, social, economic
Land tenure supports sustainable development - NR fact sheet
Throughout the rural world, land provides a primary source of income, food security, cultural
identity and shelter. It also serves as a fundamental asset for the economic empowerment of
the poor and provides a safety net in times of hardship.
Arid land forests of the world: global environmental perspectives
Paper presented at the meeting "Afforestation and Sustainable Forests as a Means to Combat Desertification", Jerusalem, Israel, 16-19 April 2007
From Land Grab to Win-Win
Foreign acquisitions of farmland in Africa and elsewhere have become the focus of concern. Many observers consider them a new form of colonialism that threatens
food security of the poor. However, investments could
be good news if the objectives of land purchasers are
reconciled with the investment needs of developing
countries.