A delicious revolution

Favourite dishes are a matter of taste, and each person’s taste differs. Young people’s tastes are often thought to be for fast and easy food. But there is an alternative trend: many young people want good food on their plates. In the United States, an energetic and positive youth movement has been pioneering a “delicious … Read more

Globally connected: Are small-scale farmers receiving a better price for their products?

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has reported that world food prices are at a new historic peak. The Food Price Index, an international indicator of the wholesale price of basic foods, has risen for seven consecutive months. In January, the Index registered strong increases for all the commodity groups it monitors, except for meat. … Read more

How do we make markets work for the poor?

Provocation seminars: The development community is embracing market-based approaches for reducing poverty among small-scale famers. But how exactly do we make markets work for the poor? A series of “provocation” seminars is challenging conventional wisdom on how to include smallholders in markets and bringing fresh perspectives to the discussion on what works and why. “The … Read more

Reclaiming agriculture for Pacific youth

Are young people interested in farming? This depend on the possibilities they see in terms of work, wages and livelihoods. A thorough survey has shown what young people in the Pacific think, and different efforts are already showing positive results. The important role which young people play in farming was recently highlighted in a new … Read more

“Anchored” education promises better results

Governmental efforts aimed at rural children and youth can be more effective if the departments of education and agriculture co-ordinate their goals and policies. This article contrasts the incongruities in a national initiative of the Ministry of Education in Ecuador with a regional programme that purposefully sought to strengthen such connections and links, with successful … Read more

“We know what to do”

Hans Herren – Hans Herren is president of the Millennium Institute, an international NGO providing tools and methods worldwide that facilitate decision making for sustainable development. The driving force in all his activities and professional choices is the concern for a more sustainable world where there is a future for everybody. Next to his work … Read more

Opinion: Youth farming and research

Young professionals need to be engaged in shaping the future of agriculture, says Courtney Paisley, at YPARD. The first step in attracting future young professionals is nurturing the ones we have now. Furthermore, we need to provide more young role models for future agriculturalists to look up to and so change their perceptions of agriculture. … Read more

The future of family farming – An important part of the family

This is Zeinab Awad el Karim Ahmed. She lives in Barankawa, a village in the state of Sinnar, in the Blue Nile region of Sudan. Notwithstanding her young age she plays an active role in the household and farm chores. One of her tasks consists in bringing the food that her mother prepares to her … Read more