FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:06 pm Page 1

FAO HEADQUARTERS REGIONAL OFFICE FOR

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
00100 Rome, Italy 39 Phra Atit Road
Telephone: (+39) 06 57051 Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Cable address: FOODAGRI ROME Telephone: (+66) 2 6974000
Telex: 625852 / 610181 FAO I Facsimile: (+66) 2 6974445
Facsimile: (+39) 06 57053152 E-mail: FAO-RAP@fao.org
E-mail: FAO-HQ@fao.org
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR
Media enquiries: THE NEAR EAST
Telephone: (+39) 06 57053625 PO Box 2223
Facsimile: (+39) 06 57053729 Cairo, Egypt

REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA

PO Box 1628
Accra, Ghana
Telephone: (+233) 21 675000
Telephone: (+20) 2 3316000
Cable address: FAORNEA CAIRO
Facsimile: (+20) 2 7495981
E-mail: FAO-RNE@fao.org
FAO
Cable address: FOODAGRI ACCRA
Telex: 2139 FAO GH
Facsimile: (+233) 21 668427
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR
EUROPE
FAO headquarters
AT WO R K
E-mail: FAO-RAF@fao.org Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR LATIN Telephone: (+39) 06 57051 Helping to build a world without hunger
AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Cable address: FOODAGRI ROME
Casilla 10095 Telex: 625852 / 610181 FAO I
Vitacura, Santiago, Chile Facsimile: (+39) 06 57055634
Telephone: (+56) 2 3372100 E-mail: FAO-REUR@fao.org
Cable address: FOODAGRI SANTIAGO
Facsimile: (+56) 2 3372101
E-mail: FAO-RLC@fao.org

Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
www.fao.org

AD/I/Y3815E/1/06.02/23000
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:08 pm Page 3

FAO works on behalf of its members – more than 180 – while

striving to defend the rights of the world’s citizens to be

The Food and Agriculture Organization free from hunger. We also cooperate with thousands of

FAO/19167/M. Marzot
partners worldwide, from farmers’ groups to traders, from
of the United Nations leads international efforts
non-governmental organizations to other UN agencies,
to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing from development banks to agribusiness firms.
From food to fibres to herbal medicine,
forests produce more than wood.This man
countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to is harvesting honey from a forest in the
Republic of Congo.

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

FAO’s mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve
fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all.
agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations
Since our founding in 1945, we have focused special and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

FAO/12145/P. Johnson
attention on developing rural areas, home to

70 percent of the world’s poor and hungry people.

Animal power reduces the drudgery of farm work.
An ox-drawn cart helps collect maize in Thailand.
FAO provides the kind of behind-the-scenes assistance that helps people

and nations help themselves. If a community wants to increase crop yields

but lacks the technical skills, we introduce simple, sustainable tools and

techniques. When a country shifts from state to private land ownership, we

Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO’s provide the legal advice to smooth the way. When a drought pushes

already vulnerable groups to the point of famine, we mobilize action. And

efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough
in a complex world of competing needs, we provide a neutral meeting
high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
place and the background knowledge needed to reach consensus.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:08 pm Page 3

FAO works on behalf of its members – more than 180 – while

striving to defend the rights of the world’s citizens to be

The Food and Agriculture Organization free from hunger. We also cooperate with thousands of

FAO/19167/M. Marzot
partners worldwide, from farmers’ groups to traders, from
of the United Nations leads international efforts
non-governmental organizations to other UN agencies,
to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing from development banks to agribusiness firms.
From food to fibres to herbal medicine,
forests produce more than wood.This man
countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to is harvesting honey from a forest in the
Republic of Congo.

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

FAO’s mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve
fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all.
agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations
Since our founding in 1945, we have focused special and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

FAO/12145/P. Johnson
attention on developing rural areas, home to

70 percent of the world’s poor and hungry people.

Animal power reduces the drudgery of farm work.
An ox-drawn cart helps collect maize in Thailand.
FAO provides the kind of behind-the-scenes assistance that helps people

and nations help themselves. If a community wants to increase crop yields

but lacks the technical skills, we introduce simple, sustainable tools and

techniques. When a country shifts from state to private land ownership, we

Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO’s provide the legal advice to smooth the way. When a drought pushes

already vulnerable groups to the point of famine, we mobilize action. And

efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough
in a complex world of competing needs, we provide a neutral meeting
high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
place and the background knowledge needed to reach consensus.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:11 pm Page 5

Fish, an excellent source

of protein, helps improve
Experts meet to discuss food security. A fish
security problems in market in Al Sharqiyah

FAO activities Rwanda.

FAO/17612/G. Diana FAO/22381/R. Messori
region, Oman.

COMPRISE FOUR MAIN AREAS Sharing policy expertise

FAO lends its years of experience to member countries in devising agricultural

policy, supporting planning, drafting effective legislation and creating national

strategies to achieve rural development and hunger alleviation goals.

Putting information within reach

FAO serves as a knowledge network. We use the Providing a meeting place for nations

FAO/11895/P/33/L. Spaventa
expertise of our staff – agronomists, foresters,
On any given day, dozens of policy-makers and experts from around the globe
fisheries and livestock specialists, nutritionists,
convene at headquarters or in our field offices to forge agreements on major food
social scientists, economists,
and agriculture issues. As a neutral forum, FAO provides the setting where rich and
statisticians and other FAO’s Plenary Hall, equipped with modern
multimedia and translation facilities, is the
site of high-profile meetings. poor nations can come together to build common understanding.
professionals – to collect,
FAO/19840/R. Faidutti

analyse and disseminate

data that aid development.
One of FAO’s primary roles is providing
information on agriculture. Here food A million times a month, Bringing knowledge to the field
scientists in Italy analyse olive oil.
someone visits the FAO Our breadth of knowledge is put to the test in thousands
Internet site to consult a technical document or of field projects throughout the world. FAO mobilizes and

FAO/12516/I .de Borhegyi

read about our work with farmers. We also publish manages millions of dollars provided by industrialized
FAO/A. Mihich

hundreds of newsletters, reports and books, countries, development banks and other sources to make sure
distribute several magazines, create numerous the projects achieve their goals. FAO provides the technical
Ploughing a field in mountainous Tibet Autonomous Extension workers help farmers solve
CD-ROMs and host dozens of electronic fora. Region, China. As lead agency for the International production problems. In Ecuador, an know-how and in a few cases is a limited source of funds.
Year of Mountains, FAO raises awareness about the extensionist works with a woman farmer
importance of mountains and mountain communities. in a potato demonstration plot.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:11 pm Page 5

Fish, an excellent source

of protein, helps improve
Experts meet to discuss food security. A fish
security problems in market in Al Sharqiyah

FAO activities Rwanda.

FAO/17612/G. Diana FAO/22381/R. Messori
region, Oman.

COMPRISE FOUR MAIN AREAS Sharing policy expertise

FAO lends its years of experience to member countries in devising agricultural

policy, supporting planning, drafting effective legislation and creating national

strategies to achieve rural development and hunger alleviation goals.

Putting information within reach

FAO serves as a knowledge network. We use the Providing a meeting place for nations

FAO/11895/P/33/L. Spaventa
expertise of our staff – agronomists, foresters,
On any given day, dozens of policy-makers and experts from around the globe
fisheries and livestock specialists, nutritionists,
convene at headquarters or in our field offices to forge agreements on major food
social scientists, economists,
and agriculture issues. As a neutral forum, FAO provides the setting where rich and
statisticians and other FAO’s Plenary Hall, equipped with modern
multimedia and translation facilities, is the
site of high-profile meetings. poor nations can come together to build common understanding.
professionals – to collect,
FAO/19840/R. Faidutti

analyse and disseminate

data that aid development.
One of FAO’s primary roles is providing
information on agriculture. Here food A million times a month, Bringing knowledge to the field
scientists in Italy analyse olive oil.
someone visits the FAO Our breadth of knowledge is put to the test in thousands
Internet site to consult a technical document or of field projects throughout the world. FAO mobilizes and

FAO/12516/I .de Borhegyi

read about our work with farmers. We also publish manages millions of dollars provided by industrialized
FAO/A. Mihich

hundreds of newsletters, reports and books, countries, development banks and other sources to make sure
distribute several magazines, create numerous the projects achieve their goals. FAO provides the technical
Ploughing a field in mountainous Tibet Autonomous Extension workers help farmers solve
CD-ROMs and host dozens of electronic fora. Region, China. As lead agency for the International production problems. In Ecuador, an know-how and in a few cases is a limited source of funds.
Year of Mountains, FAO raises awareness about the extensionist works with a woman farmer
importance of mountains and mountain communities. in a potato demonstration plot.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:13 pm Page 7

Here are some of Fish provides about 16 percent of all

animal protein consumed. But overfishing,
our proudest illegal harvesting, environmental

achievements degradation and poor processing techniques

put this source at risk. The Code of Conduct
To benefit from global trade, developing for Responsible Fisheries is a set of

FAO/21710/G. Bizzarri
countries need to negotiate effectively principles to ensure resources are harvested
alongside industrialized nations in ongoing wisely. FAO helps nations and fishing
trade talks. FAO provides analyses and organizes communities implement the Code.
FAO/20955/R. Faidutti

national and regional training workshops that Processing the local sardine catch in Morocco is an
important source of employment.
explore the new trade environment. Online
databases and fact sheets promote knowledge
Developing countries and countries in transition
benefit from FAO’s assistance in helping them about the trading system, enabling countries to
compete effectively in today’s trade environment. While pesticides can help poor countries protect
This farmer loads maize onto a truck in Hungary. participate on a more equal footing.
valuable crops, the hazardous effects on farmers,
consumers and the environment must not be
Recent concerns about food safety following outbreaks of overlooked. Over 100 nations agreed on a way to
“mad cow” disease are a reminder of the importance of the reduce those effects when they adopted the
Codex Alimentarius Commission. Managed jointly by FAO Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed
and the World Health Organization, this international body Consent Procedure for Certain
FAO/21406/J. Spaull
protects the health of consumers and works to ensure fair Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides
practices in food trade. In 2002, a Codex task force agreed in International Trade in 1998. FAO
in principle on means for assessing the safety of genetically and the United Nations Environment
This quality control centre in Lebanon
modified foods, leading the way to detailed requirements. tests food samples for toxins. Programme jointly serve as the
secretariat of the Convention, which
To meet growing demands to feed the hungry, farmers and breeders has been ratified by 20 nations. Many
depend on the availability of genetic diversity from all over the world. others are applying its provisions on
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, approved in 2001
FAO/J. Esquinas

a voluntary basis.
and now in the process of being ratified, will make the future availability of
these resources more secure and will help ensure that everyone, in Banning pesticides does not guarantee that
The conservation of plant varieties ensures remaining stocks are disposed of properly.
food for future generations.These beans particular smallholder farmers, reaps the benefits. These cans of pesticides in Mali poison the FAO/22981/I. Balderi
may contain vital genetic traits that may ground and the air around them.
lead to higher yield or pest resistance.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:13 pm Page 7

Here are some of Fish provides about 16 percent of all

animal protein consumed. But overfishing,
our proudest illegal harvesting, environmental

achievements degradation and poor processing techniques

put this source at risk. The Code of Conduct
To benefit from global trade, developing for Responsible Fisheries is a set of

FAO/21710/G. Bizzarri
countries need to negotiate effectively principles to ensure resources are harvested
alongside industrialized nations in ongoing wisely. FAO helps nations and fishing
trade talks. FAO provides analyses and organizes communities implement the Code.
FAO/20955/R. Faidutti

national and regional training workshops that Processing the local sardine catch in Morocco is an
important source of employment.
explore the new trade environment. Online
databases and fact sheets promote knowledge
Developing countries and countries in transition
benefit from FAO’s assistance in helping them about the trading system, enabling countries to
compete effectively in today’s trade environment. While pesticides can help poor countries protect
This farmer loads maize onto a truck in Hungary. participate on a more equal footing.
valuable crops, the hazardous effects on farmers,
consumers and the environment must not be
Recent concerns about food safety following outbreaks of overlooked. Over 100 nations agreed on a way to
“mad cow” disease are a reminder of the importance of the reduce those effects when they adopted the
Codex Alimentarius Commission. Managed jointly by FAO Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed
and the World Health Organization, this international body Consent Procedure for Certain
FAO/21406/J. Spaull
protects the health of consumers and works to ensure fair Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides
practices in food trade. In 2002, a Codex task force agreed in International Trade in 1998. FAO
in principle on means for assessing the safety of genetically and the United Nations Environment
This quality control centre in Lebanon
modified foods, leading the way to detailed requirements. tests food samples for toxins. Programme jointly serve as the
secretariat of the Convention, which
To meet growing demands to feed the hungry, farmers and breeders has been ratified by 20 nations. Many
depend on the availability of genetic diversity from all over the world. others are applying its provisions on
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, approved in 2001
FAO/J. Esquinas

a voluntary basis.
and now in the process of being ratified, will make the future availability of
these resources more secure and will help ensure that everyone, in Banning pesticides does not guarantee that
The conservation of plant varieties ensures remaining stocks are disposed of properly.
food for future generations.These beans particular smallholder farmers, reaps the benefits. These cans of pesticides in Mali poison the FAO/22981/I. Balderi
may contain vital genetic traits that may ground and the air around them.
lead to higher yield or pest resistance.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:16 pm Page 9

An obstacle to more effective development efforts is the lack of

reliable data about hungry and vulnerable people. To remedy this,
the interagency Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information
and Mapping Systems initiative (FIVIMS) was established in
1997, with FAO as its secretariat. More than 60 countries have
Forests support rural livelihoods and the conservation of soil and
nominated national focal points to coordinate efforts to collect and
biological diversity. In 2000, FAO’s Global Forest Resources
use statistics related to food insecurity more efficiently. FAO is
Assessment produced the most comprehensive map to date of

FAO/10840/F. Botts
already sponsoring FIVIMS projects in over 20 countries.
the distribution of forests. The assessment showed that forests
are being lost at an alarming rate in many developing countries.
When it comes to hunger and micronutrient deficiencies, women and
children are particularly vulnerable.This girl in Burundi is lucky – her FAO assists governments in building their capacity to manage
Involving villagers in the planting and care of forests helps ensure their
mother is attending a class to learn ways to prepare more nutritious
FAO/21221/A. Proto proper care.This farmer in Nepal tends a pine sapling – one small part forests sustainably through national forest programmes.
meals for her family.
of a community forestry programme.

FAO’s unparalleled knowledge of How much food is the world producing? Will there be a drought in southern
agriculture issues is synthesized in regular Africa this year? What is the impact of El Niño weather events on food
reports on global conditions and trends. production? Providing answers to these questions is the role of the Global
These include The State of Food Insecurity in Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS).
the World, The State of Food and Agriculture, Through the use of sophisticated technology such as satellite images, official data

FAO/9604/F. Botts
State of the World’s Forests, The State of on crop production and food stocks, and field missions throughout the world,
World Fisheries and Aquaculture and the GIEWS obtains accurate information on global food supply and demand. It also
World Food Survey. sounds the alarm when food supply problems first arise.

FAO
A farmer sorts artichokes and fennel
for sale in a market in Tunisia. GIEWS uses satellite images
such as this one of South
America to gather information
on crop conditions.

For developing countries to benefit from FAO’s wealth of knowledge

on agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development, they need
FAO/15749/S. Pierbattista

The Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal

and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES) works to prevent access. The World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT) has
and treat animal diseases and ward off locust outbreaks before FAO/13646/J. Issac
they compromise food security.These extension agents in the developed an Internet portal that offers a powerful entry point into
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya are applying a powder that kills
screwworm larvae and prevents reinfestation. FAO’s vast range of information materials – documents, statistics,
maps and multimedia resources. For countries with limited Internet
In addition to answering technical questions, FAO examines
ethical issues. Do these workers in India receive fair pay for access, many of these materials are also available on CD-ROM.
the tea they harvest?

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:16 pm Page 9

An obstacle to more effective development efforts is the lack of

reliable data about hungry and vulnerable people. To remedy this,
the interagency Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information
and Mapping Systems initiative (FIVIMS) was established in
1997, with FAO as its secretariat. More than 60 countries have
Forests support rural livelihoods and the conservation of soil and
nominated national focal points to coordinate efforts to collect and
biological diversity. In 2000, FAO’s Global Forest Resources
use statistics related to food insecurity more efficiently. FAO is
Assessment produced the most comprehensive map to date of

FAO/10840/F. Botts
already sponsoring FIVIMS projects in over 20 countries.
the distribution of forests. The assessment showed that forests
are being lost at an alarming rate in many developing countries.
When it comes to hunger and micronutrient deficiencies, women and
children are particularly vulnerable.This girl in Burundi is lucky – her FAO assists governments in building their capacity to manage
Involving villagers in the planting and care of forests helps ensure their
mother is attending a class to learn ways to prepare more nutritious
FAO/21221/A. Proto proper care.This farmer in Nepal tends a pine sapling – one small part forests sustainably through national forest programmes.
meals for her family.
of a community forestry programme.

FAO’s unparalleled knowledge of How much food is the world producing? Will there be a drought in southern
agriculture issues is synthesized in regular Africa this year? What is the impact of El Niño weather events on food
reports on global conditions and trends. production? Providing answers to these questions is the role of the Global
These include The State of Food Insecurity in Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS).
the World, The State of Food and Agriculture, Through the use of sophisticated technology such as satellite images, official data

FAO/9604/F. Botts
State of the World’s Forests, The State of on crop production and food stocks, and field missions throughout the world,
World Fisheries and Aquaculture and the GIEWS obtains accurate information on global food supply and demand. It also
World Food Survey. sounds the alarm when food supply problems first arise.

FAO
A farmer sorts artichokes and fennel
for sale in a market in Tunisia. GIEWS uses satellite images
such as this one of South
America to gather information
on crop conditions.

For developing countries to benefit from FAO’s wealth of knowledge

on agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development, they need
FAO/15749/S. Pierbattista

The Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal

and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES) works to prevent access. The World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT) has
and treat animal diseases and ward off locust outbreaks before FAO/13646/J. Issac
they compromise food security.These extension agents in the developed an Internet portal that offers a powerful entry point into
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya are applying a powder that kills
screwworm larvae and prevents reinfestation. FAO’s vast range of information materials – documents, statistics,
maps and multimedia resources. For countries with limited Internet
In addition to answering technical questions, FAO examines
ethical issues. Do these workers in India receive fair pay for access, many of these materials are also available on CD-ROM.
the tea they harvest?

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:18 pm Page 11

The majority of the world’s hungry are women and girls.

Most of the small farmers are women. And women generally
assume the main responsibility for ensuring family nutrition.

FAO/22942/M. Marzot
FAO’s Gender and Development Plan of Action aims to
ensure equal access to food, equal control over resources,

FAO/21411/J. Spaull
gender equality in policy decisions and equal opportunities
By 2005, over half the world’s people will live in cities.This
woman in Cape Verde ekes out a living selling bananas. in employment. FAO is incorporating these concepts into its
own work plan and helping member countries to profit from These farmers in Jordan are learning that
pruning olive branches increases their yield.
women’s potential contribution to alleviating hunger.
Many of the world’s poorest nations have the basic
elements necessary to produce a source of high-quality
protein: fish bred by farmers, or aquaculture. But
FAO’s role in emergencies is not to provide immediate food aid but to help farmers,
FAO/15192/A. Conti

irresponsible practices can severely strain fragile

fishers and herders produce their own food once again. One such effort is in
ecosystems, so FAO promotes sustainable aquaculture.
Afghanistan, where 85 percent of the population depend on agriculture. FAO has
In 2001, FAO and its development partners produced
Fish caught from inland waters is a asked donors to fund a comprehensive
significant source of food for rural families. Aquaculture in the Third Millennium, the most
FAO helps member countries improve rehabilitation programme to distribute seeds and
data collection on this undervalued sector. comprehensive review of this booming industry,
Here, a farmer in Mexico collects prawns fertilizer, vaccinate animals, renew irrigation
from a swamp. valued at more than US$50 billion a year.
schemes and re-forest barren lands. FAO will pay
particular attention to women, who make up

FAO/1.R. China
60 percent of the population and who head at
As financing for agriculture declines, it’s no easy task for
least half a million households.
developing countries to find funding for projects that boost War leaves children without parents
and ravages agricultural productivity.
food production and contribute to economic growth. One An FAO emergency project is helping
communities in Afghanistan grow
of the tools for reversing this trend is FAO’s Investment food again.

Centre, which helps nations secure the investment dollars

they need. Since the mid-1960s, this collaboration has Since the mid-1960s, FAO has promoted integrated pest management (IPM)
helped 134 countries attract close to US$38 billion in as the preferred pest control strategy. Through farmer field schools, national IPM
FAO/15150/A. Conti

external financing, and assisted them with the design of programmes have taught over 2 million farmers to monitor agro-ecosystems
over 1 300 agricultural development programmes aimed FAO/22616/A. Proto
and control the pests in their fields, minimizing the use of expensive and
at improving rural livelihoods. potentially damaging and dangerous chemical pesticides.
FAO’s technical advice made a siphon irrigation
project possible in Brazil. An Indonesian training coordinator shows a farmer in the Gambia how to monitor insect populations.
This lesson in integrated pest management was made possible through FAO’s Partnership Programme.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:18 pm Page 11

The majority of the world’s hungry are women and girls.

Most of the small farmers are women. And women generally
assume the main responsibility for ensuring family nutrition.

FAO/22942/M. Marzot
FAO’s Gender and Development Plan of Action aims to
ensure equal access to food, equal control over resources,

FAO/21411/J. Spaull
gender equality in policy decisions and equal opportunities
By 2005, over half the world’s people will live in cities.This
woman in Cape Verde ekes out a living selling bananas. in employment. FAO is incorporating these concepts into its
own work plan and helping member countries to profit from These farmers in Jordan are learning that
pruning olive branches increases their yield.
women’s potential contribution to alleviating hunger.
Many of the world’s poorest nations have the basic
elements necessary to produce a source of high-quality
protein: fish bred by farmers, or aquaculture. But
FAO’s role in emergencies is not to provide immediate food aid but to help farmers,
FAO/15192/A. Conti

irresponsible practices can severely strain fragile

fishers and herders produce their own food once again. One such effort is in
ecosystems, so FAO promotes sustainable aquaculture.
Afghanistan, where 85 percent of the population depend on agriculture. FAO has
In 2001, FAO and its development partners produced
Fish caught from inland waters is a asked donors to fund a comprehensive
significant source of food for rural families. Aquaculture in the Third Millennium, the most
FAO helps member countries improve rehabilitation programme to distribute seeds and
data collection on this undervalued sector. comprehensive review of this booming industry,
Here, a farmer in Mexico collects prawns fertilizer, vaccinate animals, renew irrigation
from a swamp. valued at more than US$50 billion a year.
schemes and re-forest barren lands. FAO will pay
particular attention to women, who make up

FAO/1.R. China
60 percent of the population and who head at
As financing for agriculture declines, it’s no easy task for
least half a million households.
developing countries to find funding for projects that boost War leaves children without parents
and ravages agricultural productivity.
food production and contribute to economic growth. One An FAO emergency project is helping
communities in Afghanistan grow
of the tools for reversing this trend is FAO’s Investment food again.

Centre, which helps nations secure the investment dollars

they need. Since the mid-1960s, this collaboration has Since the mid-1960s, FAO has promoted integrated pest management (IPM)
helped 134 countries attract close to US$38 billion in as the preferred pest control strategy. Through farmer field schools, national IPM
FAO/15150/A. Conti

external financing, and assisted them with the design of programmes have taught over 2 million farmers to monitor agro-ecosystems
over 1 300 agricultural development programmes aimed FAO/22616/A. Proto
and control the pests in their fields, minimizing the use of expensive and
at improving rural livelihoods. potentially damaging and dangerous chemical pesticides.
FAO’s technical advice made a siphon irrigation
project possible in Brazil. An Indonesian training coordinator shows a farmer in the Gambia how to monitor insect populations.
This lesson in integrated pest management was made possible through FAO’s Partnership Programme.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:20 pm Page 13

Farmers’ groups and non-governmental and civil

The Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) helps
society organizations understand the concerns
very poor nations boost food production and income. It
and constraints faced by communities, making
works with farmers to improve and diversify food
them extremely effective in taking action to make
production methods using simple and sustainable tools
lasting change. FAO works with these groups –

FAO/12341/I.Velez
and techniques. In Burkina Faso, SPFS has grown to
FAO/17685/A. Conti

during international conferences, in field training

include over 6 800 households. Through the introduction
activities and in joint awareness-raising campaigns.
of improved seed varieties and the use of appropriate
They are also valued partners on the front line of These women in Peru are receiving training in
Providing farmers with access to water is a main tools and technologies, average annual yields of soil conservation – essential in the fragile
aim of FAO’s Special Programme for Food emergency response. ecosystem of the Andes mountains.
Security.This farmer in the United Republic of irrigated rice increased by 25 percent between 1995
Tanzania is clearing weeds from a canal to make
sure water reaches his crops. and 2000. Yields for marshland rice increased by
58 percent and for rainfed rice by 76 percent.

Of the 40 million people with HIV/AIDS, an overwhelming 95 percent

Raising awareness about the problem of hunger mobilizes energy to find a solution. In 1997, live in developing countries. No longer a grave health issue alone,
FAO launched TeleFood, a campaign of concerts, sporting events and other activities to HIV/AIDS is also devastating food production and rural development –
harness the power of the media, celebrities and concerned citizens as farmers die, indigenous knowledge is lost, families are impoverished

UNICEF/930760/C. Andrew
to help fight hunger. The millions of viewers who saw the week-long and children leave school to take over the work of dying family
Groundwork concerts in Seattle, Washington, United States, in 2001 members. FAO is working with Ministries of Agriculture to develop
and a dusk-to-dawn solidarity concert in Johannesburg, South Africa, innovative strategies for mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on food
in 2002 proved the power of these events. Funds raised pay for small security and rural life.
Food production is being hard hit as people in the
projects that help poor families produce more food. TeleFood has prime of life die from HIV/AIDS.This girl carrying
FAO

mangoes in Malawi is one of nine children being

The band REM performs at the TeleFood
already funded over a thousand such projects around the world. raised by their grandmother following the deaths
Groundwork concert, which took place of their parents.
in 2001 in Seattle, United States, and was
broadcast live on the Web. FAO/19609/G. Bizzari

Severe weather events may be a sign of long-

lasting climate change.These villagers in
Cambodia live on the lake during the dry
season but move inland when the threat of
flood increases.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:20 pm Page 13

Farmers’ groups and non-governmental and civil

The Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) helps
society organizations understand the concerns
very poor nations boost food production and income. It
and constraints faced by communities, making
works with farmers to improve and diversify food
them extremely effective in taking action to make
production methods using simple and sustainable tools
lasting change. FAO works with these groups –

FAO/12341/I.Velez
and techniques. In Burkina Faso, SPFS has grown to
FAO/17685/A. Conti

during international conferences, in field training

include over 6 800 households. Through the introduction
activities and in joint awareness-raising campaigns.
of improved seed varieties and the use of appropriate
They are also valued partners on the front line of These women in Peru are receiving training in
Providing farmers with access to water is a main tools and technologies, average annual yields of soil conservation – essential in the fragile
aim of FAO’s Special Programme for Food emergency response. ecosystem of the Andes mountains.
Security.This farmer in the United Republic of irrigated rice increased by 25 percent between 1995
Tanzania is clearing weeds from a canal to make
sure water reaches his crops. and 2000. Yields for marshland rice increased by
58 percent and for rainfed rice by 76 percent.

Of the 40 million people with HIV/AIDS, an overwhelming 95 percent

Raising awareness about the problem of hunger mobilizes energy to find a solution. In 1997, live in developing countries. No longer a grave health issue alone,
FAO launched TeleFood, a campaign of concerts, sporting events and other activities to HIV/AIDS is also devastating food production and rural development –
harness the power of the media, celebrities and concerned citizens as farmers die, indigenous knowledge is lost, families are impoverished

UNICEF/930760/C. Andrew
to help fight hunger. The millions of viewers who saw the week-long and children leave school to take over the work of dying family
Groundwork concerts in Seattle, Washington, United States, in 2001 members. FAO is working with Ministries of Agriculture to develop
and a dusk-to-dawn solidarity concert in Johannesburg, South Africa, innovative strategies for mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on food
in 2002 proved the power of these events. Funds raised pay for small security and rural life.
Food production is being hard hit as people in the
projects that help poor families produce more food. TeleFood has prime of life die from HIV/AIDS.This girl carrying
FAO

mangoes in Malawi is one of nine children being

The band REM performs at the TeleFood
already funded over a thousand such projects around the world. raised by their grandmother following the deaths
Groundwork concert, which took place of their parents.
in 2001 in Seattle, United States, and was
broadcast live on the Web. FAO/19609/G. Bizzari

Severe weather events may be a sign of long-

lasting climate change.These villagers in
Cambodia live on the lake during the dry
season but move inland when the threat of
flood increases.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:21 pm Page 15

Keeping the wheels of development turning

The smooth functioning of an organization representing more than 180 member countries is a
FAO/11261/ F. Botts

complex process. Every two years, representatives from all member countries meet at the FAO
A woman working in a foresty nursery Conference to review work carried out and to approve a new budget. The Conference elects a smaller
in Myanmar. Forest plantations help
alleviate timber shortages. group of 49 member countries, known as the Council, to serve three-year rotating terms to govern the
Organization’s activities. The Conference also elects a Director-General to a six-year term.
Progress in fighting hunger is not being made fast enough.
Dr Jacques Diouf, of Senegal, is currently carrying out his second term, which began in January 2000.
At the 1996 World Food Summit, more than 180 nations set a
target of reducing the number of hungry people by half by 2015.
FAO employs more than 1 500 professional and 2 200 general service staff. A little over half of these
The current rate of decline is far below what is needed to reach
work at headquarters in Rome. The others carry out FAO activities worldwide in about 100 offices. FAO’s
that target. The World Food Summit: five years later, held from
Regular Programme budget is funded by its members, through contributions set at the
10-13 June 2002, renewed the commitment to meeting the target and
FAO Conference. The budget for 2002–2003 is US$651.8 million.
called on all parties to act as an international alliance against hunger.

The global community agrees that, to make significant FAO’s 2002–2003 Regular
strides in the fight against hunger, more money is needed Programme budget
to fund development. One effort to increase the flow is
the FAO Trust Fund for Food Security and Food Safety, Cooperation and
Core Technical Work US$292 million

FAO/22160/A. Casset
established in 2001. The fund relies on voluntary Partnerships
US$121 million General Policy and Direction US$52 million
contributions by governments, intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations and the private sector. Other US$1 million
Farmers from a local women’s group in
Senegal draw water from a well constructed Technical Cooperation Procurement, Records and Building Management US$38 million
by an FAO irrigation project. Programme US$95 million
Information and Administration US$53 million

Modern biotechnology may provide significant assistance in feeding a

In 2001, US$367 million paid for 1 600 field programme projects, half of which were
fast-growing population. To help nations consider its potential benefits
emergency operations. FAO contributed 12 percent of field programme expenditures. The
and risks, FAO continually monitors developments in biotechnology
rest came from outside trust funds and the United Nations Development Programme.
research. We disseminate this information through a Web site, an
FAO/J. Spaull

electronic forum and regular news stories posted on our home page. FAO is organized into eight departments: Administration and Finance, Agriculture,
To nations that choose to adopt modern biotechnology tools, FAO Economic and Social, Fisheries, Forestry, General Affairs and Information, Sustainable
Research in biotechnology may
yield important discoveries for provides technical assistance and policy and legal advice.
agriculture, forestry and
Development and Technical Cooperation.
fisheries.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:21 pm Page 15

Keeping the wheels of development turning

The smooth functioning of an organization representing more than 180 member countries is a
FAO/11261/ F. Botts

complex process. Every two years, representatives from all member countries meet at the FAO
A woman working in a foresty nursery Conference to review work carried out and to approve a new budget. The Conference elects a smaller
in Myanmar. Forest plantations help
alleviate timber shortages. group of 49 member countries, known as the Council, to serve three-year rotating terms to govern the
Organization’s activities. The Conference also elects a Director-General to a six-year term.
Progress in fighting hunger is not being made fast enough.
Dr Jacques Diouf, of Senegal, is currently carrying out his second term, which began in January 2000.
At the 1996 World Food Summit, more than 180 nations set a
target of reducing the number of hungry people by half by 2015.
FAO employs more than 1 500 professional and 2 200 general service staff. A little over half of these
The current rate of decline is far below what is needed to reach
work at headquarters in Rome. The others carry out FAO activities worldwide in about 100 offices. FAO’s
that target. The World Food Summit: five years later, held from
Regular Programme budget is funded by its members, through contributions set at the
10-13 June 2002, renewed the commitment to meeting the target and
FAO Conference. The budget for 2002–2003 is US$651.8 million.
called on all parties to act as an international alliance against hunger.

The global community agrees that, to make significant FAO’s 2002–2003 Regular
strides in the fight against hunger, more money is needed Programme budget
to fund development. One effort to increase the flow is
the FAO Trust Fund for Food Security and Food Safety, Cooperation and
Core Technical Work US$292 million

FAO/22160/A. Casset
established in 2001. The fund relies on voluntary Partnerships
US$121 million General Policy and Direction US$52 million
contributions by governments, intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations and the private sector. Other US$1 million
Farmers from a local women’s group in
Senegal draw water from a well constructed Technical Cooperation Procurement, Records and Building Management US$38 million
by an FAO irrigation project. Programme US$95 million
Information and Administration US$53 million

Modern biotechnology may provide significant assistance in feeding a

In 2001, US$367 million paid for 1 600 field programme projects, half of which were
fast-growing population. To help nations consider its potential benefits
emergency operations. FAO contributed 12 percent of field programme expenditures. The
and risks, FAO continually monitors developments in biotechnology
rest came from outside trust funds and the United Nations Development Programme.
research. We disseminate this information through a Web site, an
FAO/J. Spaull

electronic forum and regular news stories posted on our home page. FAO is organized into eight departments: Administration and Finance, Agriculture,
To nations that choose to adopt modern biotechnology tools, FAO Economic and Social, Fisheries, Forestry, General Affairs and Information, Sustainable
Research in biotechnology may
yield important discoveries for provides technical assistance and policy and legal advice.
agriculture, forestry and
Development and Technical Cooperation.
fisheries.

H E L P I N G TO B U I L D A W O R L D W I T H O U T H U N G E R
FAO AT WORK 13/11/02 3:06 pm Page 1

FAO HEADQUARTERS REGIONAL OFFICE FOR

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
00100 Rome, Italy 39 Phra Atit Road
Telephone: (+39) 06 57051 Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Cable address: FOODAGRI ROME Telephone: (+66) 2 6974000
Telex: 625852 / 610181 FAO I Facsimile: (+66) 2 6974445
Facsimile: (+39) 06 57053152 E-mail: FAO-RAP@fao.org
E-mail: FAO-HQ@fao.org
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR
Media enquiries: THE NEAR EAST
Telephone: (+39) 06 57053625 PO Box 2223
Facsimile: (+39) 06 57053729 Cairo, Egypt

REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA

PO Box 1628
Accra, Ghana
Telephone: (+233) 21 675000
Telephone: (+20) 2 3316000
Cable address: FAORNEA CAIRO
Facsimile: (+20) 2 7495981
E-mail: FAO-RNE@fao.org
FAO
Cable address: FOODAGRI ACCRA
Telex: 2139 FAO GH
Facsimile: (+233) 21 668427
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR
EUROPE
FAO headquarters
AT WO R K
E-mail: FAO-RAF@fao.org Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR LATIN Telephone: (+39) 06 57051 Helping to build a world without hunger
AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Cable address: FOODAGRI ROME
Casilla 10095 Telex: 625852 / 610181 FAO I
Vitacura, Santiago, Chile Facsimile: (+39) 06 57055634
Telephone: (+56) 2 3372100 E-mail: FAO-REUR@fao.org
Cable address: FOODAGRI SANTIAGO
Facsimile: (+56) 2 3372101
E-mail: FAO-RLC@fao.org

Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
www.fao.org

AD/I/Y3815E/1/06.02/23000