Ãå±±½ûµØ

reports that the coronavirus pandemic is undermining efforts to improve diets and nutrition for nearly 2 billion people in Asia and the Pacific, according to an report published today. The  states that 1.9 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2019—the year that is the focus of the study—while estimates suggest the disruption caused to livelihoods and economies by COVID-19 only worsened problems in 2020, hitting women and children aged under 5 hardest, in spite of economic growth.

Girl with a big watermelon in her hands.

The Ãå±±½ûµØFood Systems Summit is a turning point in the world’s journey to achieving the SDGs by 2030. Over the next year, the Summit will raise global awareness, deepen our understanding of the problems we must solve, and set a course to radically change the way we produce, process, and consume food. The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) is taking place now in Germany to provide an international audience of experts from various sectors with an opportunity to address and reach consensus on issues and challenges relating to global agricultural policy and food security.

drew from experiences from around the world and consulted with local cooks, chefs and families to put together some fascinating and useful cookbooks. They’re designed to not only celebrate local cuisines, but to recognise the nutritious value of traditional meals eaten around the globe. Poor diets and disease are some of the top causes of undernutrition, so promoting sustainable, healthy recipes is key to helping households make informed food choices. If you’re interested in trying some new, nutritious dishes, here are five FAO cookbooks that are bound to inspire you.

woman farmer in field

In , we say goodbye to a year that’s been full of uncertainty and change, but also adaptation, innovation and improvement.

Ripe, delicious, lush, nutritious, we come in all shapes and sizes, colours and shades. #IYFV2021

 

In some parts of the world, holidays have become synonymous with over-eating and food waste. See  on how to avoid and reduce holiday food waste.

Fierce rivals by tradition, football clubs Roma and Lazio, of Italy's top-tier Seria A league, have found common cause: supporting the World Food Programme's  campaign. The drive, now in its third year, aims to raise awareness around how food waste plays into the hands of global hunger. As part of the collaboration, players are being encouraged to advocate for healthy diets in public engagements and on social media, while pressing home the importance of reducing food waste.

 

Our current food systems are not sustainable. Hunger has been on the rise for several years, with an estimated 690 million people worldwide going hungry in 2019 – and with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 132 million more people are expected to join this number soon. Meanwhile, our food production practices – particularly the expansion of  â€“ come with an unacceptably high , threatening the food security of future generations.   believes small-scale farmers can offer solutions to these problems. 

Girl with a big watermelon in her hands.

The Ãå±±½ûµØFood Systems Summit is a turning point in the world's journey to achieving the SDGs by 2030. Over the next year, the Summit aims to set a course to radically change the way we produce, process, and consume food. It will be a people's summit—, bringing us closer to realizing an equitable and healthy future. Everything and everyone must change – that means understanding the tradeoffs, but also recognizing that all can benefit.  Rebuilding food systems enables us to answer the Secretary-General's call to "build back better" and to leave no one behind.

The newly launched  appeals to improve healthy and sustainable food production through innovation and technology and to reduce food loss and waste. Proclaimed at the 74th session the Ãå±±½ûµØGeneral Assembly, IYFV 2021 is dedicated to raising awareness about the important role of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health. , the lead agency for celebrating the year in collaboration with other organizations, the year with a campaign that includes a and .

Crop Certification: Going green unlocks global markets for farmers

Distilling herbs with zero waste in eastern Serbia

When COVID-19 restrictions in Kenya disrupted access to the export market, the local markets flooded with produce and a group of local farmers, who have been practicing organic farming were stuck with their crop. Such experiences are becoming more and more common – especially throughout Africa. IFAD’s works with countries and development partners throughout sub-Saharan Africa to promote a holistic approach as risk and uncertainty intensify in the agriculture sector.

Thanks to its unique geographical conditions, including soil and weather, Jamaica produces some of the world’s best ginger. has joined public and private sector bodies to protect the industry from a destructive disease.

farmers with face masks

The COVID-19 pandemic could threaten global food security, if urgent action is not taken. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a , which aims to mitigate the immediate impacts of the pandemic while also strengthening the long-term resilience of food systems and livelihoods. In this , FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol details the plan and calls for a global coordinated response to the crisis.