Good information and data key building blocks in laying the foundation for agricultural development

24 May, Juba, South Sudan - FAO has launched a $9 million project on information for decision making for food and nutrition security. This initiative will assist the government of the Republic of South Sudan in achieving its goal of ensuring food security for all.

HIGHLIGHTS

• FAO’s first forecast for world wheat production in 2013 stands at 690 million tonnes, about 28 million tonnes up from 2012 and the second largest crop on record. The increase is expected mostly in Europe, driven by an expansion in area in response to high prices, and in some countries due to an expected recovery in yields from last year’s below-average levels.

• The international cereal prices in recent months have followed mixed trends with rice prices rising and wheat declining, while maize prices remaining generally steady.

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Good harvest from 2012 main season cereal crops
• Prices of cereals decline across the country, but remain higher than last year
• About 3.5 million people estimated to be food insecure, mainly in conflict-affected areas

Good production estimates for 2012 cereal crops

FAO and France join efforts to improve farmers’ livelihoods

15 January 2013, Rome - A new programme in the Republic of South Sudan is helping vulnerable farmers to improve their livelihoods by boosting the quality of the seeds used to produce key crops.

With the support of the Government of France, FAO is joining efforts with the South Sudanese Ministry of Agriculture to implement the year-long programme in several states.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Firmer production estimates for 2012 confirm tightening wheat and maize supplies while the outlook for rice remains positive. In spite of a contraction in overall cereal utilization in 2012/13, the world cereal stock-to-use ratio is projected to decline by 2 percentage points from the previous season.

Women are main guardians of crucial livestock diversity

New study argues that to succeed, breed conservation efforts must empower women

Women livestock keepers worldwide must be recognized as the major actors in efforts to arrest the decline of indigenous breeds, crucial for rural food security and animal genetics, a new FAO study argues.

Yet women's contribution to indigenous livestock breeding and conservation is poorly documented and undervalued, the study Invisible Guardians: Women manage livestock diversity says.

FAO Food Price Index up 1.4 percent in September

Global cereal harvest down, but record expected in LIFDCs

4 October 2012, Rome - Following two months of stability, the FAO Food Price Index rose slightly in September 2012, up 1.4 percent, or 3 points, from its level in August.

Situation

Nearly all parts of the Horn of Africa (HoA) are in Stressed and Crisis food insecurity situations - Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Phase 2 and 3 with a few areas in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia facing Emergency (IPC phase 4).

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Crops and pasture benefit from favourable rainfall

• Prices of sorghum and maize, the main food staples, remain at record high levels

• About 2.4 million people, more than double the estimates in end of 2011, are in need emergency assistance

Favourable outlook for crops and pasture