En este episodio tenemos el placer de contar con la presencia de Andrea Padilla, Representante de Programas de la FAO en Costa Rica; y Roberto Azofeifa, Jefe del Departamento de Producción Agroambiental en el Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería de Costa Rica.
La conversación está inspirada en la publicación 'Costa Rica y su camino hacia sistemas alimentarios sostenibles - Los procesos y prácticas que han marcado la diferencia', que puede ser consultada en el siguiente enlace: doi.org/10.4060/cb5997es
Otros episodios de la serie pueden ser escuchados a través del siguiente enlace (en inglés): soundcloud.com/unfao/sets/towards-sustainable-food
Producción: Pablo García Campos y Marina Sánchez Castelo
Presentador: Pablo García Campos
Aviso legal: Todas las opiniones expresadas por las invitadas e invitados son propias y no representan necesariamente la posición oficial de la FAO.
Crédito de la foto: ©FAO/Rebeca León Hernández

Costa Rica y su camino hacia sistemas alimentarios sostenibles

Tune in to the FAO talks podcast with Corinna Hawkes, Director of FAO’s Division of Food Systems and Food Safety, to look at how agrifood systems play vital roles in our lives, ensuring our health and wellbeing, and make a major impact on the environment.

Producer: Ruki Inoshita
Presenter: Ruki Inoshita
Interview by: Michele Zaccheo
Sound: Eric Deleu
©FAO

The power of agrifood systems

Cassandra Quave in conversation with Álvaro Toledo (Deputy Secretary of the International Plant Treaty) and Luigi Guarino (Director of Science at the Global Crop Diversity Trust) on global trends regarding plants that feed the world. Host and guests discuss a recently published study that shows how countries are interdependent for their food supply and how the type of crops that are important to our diet are shifting over time and geographically. Which plants will become more important in the future? How can such trends inform our national and global planning for the research and safeguarding of the plants that feed us?

Producer: Hedwig de Coo 
Presenter: Cassandra Quave 
Sound: Gijs de Bakker, Eric Deleu 
Episode cover image: ©FAO/Zinyange Auntony

Drawing lessons from crop diversity data for future food security

Climate change is here, it's real - and it's already having a significant impact. To most of the world, this is now clear -- and what's clear, too, is that we urgently need to act.  
Ahead of the UN Climate Conference, COP28, our colleague Laura Quiñones spoke with Kaveh Zahedi, the director of the FAO Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Environment – about the particular role of agrifood systems – as part of the problem, and as a driving force for solutions.  What is FAO doing to drive climate action? And what will COP28 mean for the world’s agrifood systems? Listen in...   
Discover the crucial role of agrifood systems in the fight against climate change and learn more about FAO's comprehensive approach to supporting global initiatives and solutions for the most vulnerable. Explore innovative solutions with multiple benefits that address climate change, sustainable biodiversity, and food security.

Producer: Lis Sanchez, Ruki Inoshita
Presenter: Ruki Inoshita
Interview by: Laura Quiñones
Sound: Eric Deleu
Editorial supervision: Michelle Hoffman
© FAO

COP28 preview: How agrifood system solutions shape the climate change agenda

In this episode we are joined by Edward Walugembe, Commissioner Strategic Coordination and Implementation, Office of the Prime Minister and chairperson of the National Food Systems Coordination Committee in Uganda; and Agnes Kirabo, Executive Director of the Food Rights Alliance in Uganda. Tune in and learn about Uganda’s efforts to promote sustainability across its agrifood sector. 

The conversation reveals recent developments within the agrifood institutional and policy infrastructure in Uganda and how they relate to addressing challenges across the agrifood system. Our guests also discuss the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to improve governance and accountability, with the National Food Systems Coordination Committee as an example of a recent positive development. 

Technical Producers: Susannah Gold, Anni Savikurki and Pablo García Campos
Audio Producer: Marina Sánchez Castelo 
Presenter: Siobhan Kelly 

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the official position of FAO. 
Photo credit: ©FAO

Uganda’s journey towards sustainable food systems

For the first time, aquaculture has surpassed capture fisheries in the production of aquatic animals, according to the 2024 edition of the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report. This trend in the aquatic sector is a promising path towards addressing food insecurity. Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at FAO, discussed the latest findings and trends in the aquatic sector and its role for food security and nutrition. 

To learn more about the 2024 SOFIA report visit www.fao.org

Interview: Laura Quiñones
Producers: Heriberto Araujo, Ruki Inoshita, Flora Trouilloud
Presenter: Ruki Inoshita
Sound: Eric Deleu
Editorial supervision: Tszmei Ho

© FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto

SOFIA report 2024: Aquaculture has surpassed capture fisheries

Around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report. Tune in to the FAO Talks podcast with FAO’s Chief Economist Máximo Torero to explore the causes of global hunger.

To learn more about the 2024 SOFI report visit www.fao.org

Interview: Laura Quiñones
Producers: Heriberto Araujo, Ruki Inoshita
Sound: Eric Deleu
Editorial supervision: Tszmei Ho

© FAO/Roberto Schmidt

SOFI 2024 - Maximo Torero on the latest hunger data

Forests cover 31% of the world's land, providing essential habitats, resources, and livelihoods for billions. Yet, climate change-driven threats—wildfires, biodiversity loss, and deforestation—demand urgent, coordinated action.
This episode explores the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP), a key module under the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme (FTPP), supported by the Government of Türkiye and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). With impactful projects spanning Türkiye, Central Asia, Africa, and Europe, the FTFP plays a critical role in sustainable forest management, desertification control, and governance.
Against the backdrop of escalating climate risks, this episode examines how the FTFP is shaping resilient forestry solutions. Join us as we delve into the intersection of forestry, innovation, and sustainable development—featuring a compelling success story from the Turkish International Forestry Training Centre. 
To learn more about the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme, please visit www.fao.org/europe/work-in-the-…ership-programme/en and www.fao.org/in-action/fao-turkey-partnership

A regional response to forestry challenges: The FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme

In this episode, FAO calls for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza amid the imminent risk of famine; the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity worldwide has increased for the sixth consecutive year, a new report reveals;  and six agricultural systems in Brazil, China, Mexico and Spain are recognized for their sustainable practices and their roles in preserving biodiversity and safeguarding food security.   

 

Producer: Heriberto Araujo, Ruki Inoshita, Flora Trouilloud 
Presenter: Ruki Inoshita 
Sound: Eric Deleu 
Editorial supervision: Ho Tszmei 
© FAO/UAWC

FAO Brief – 26 May 2025

In this episode, we explore Target 9 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, “Manage wild species sustainably to benefit people”.

We speak with Tanikwah Lang from the Klamath Tribes in southern Oregon, United States, to learn how wild species support biodiversity and promote better nutrition.

Producer: Veronica Vargas Roman
Presenter: Erica Galanti

© FAO

Exploring the role of wild species for better nutrition

In this episode, we explore Target 16 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, “Enable sustainable consumption choices to reduce waste and overconsumption”.

We speak with Mariiam Tambieva from the North Caucasus region of Russia to learn how traditional knowledge helps preserve culinary heritage, protect biodiversity and promote better nutrition across generations.

Producer: Veronica Vargas Roman
Presenter: Erica Galanti

©FAO

Preserving culinary traditions for food biodiversity

In this episode, we explore Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, “Conserve 30% of land, waters and seas”.

We speak with Jasmine Toraeke Rahii and Miriam Arzienta Sulu from the Solomon Islands to learn how Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems support conservation across terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems.

Producer:Veronica Vargas Roman
Presenter: Erica Galanti
©FAO

Conserving land, waters and seas through Indigenous Peoples'  food and knowledge systems

In this episode, we explore Target 10 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, “Enhance biodiversity and sustainability in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry”.
We speak with Shimron Kiptoo from the Ogiek Community of Mt. Elgon and Memusi Lenachuru from the Ilchamus people in Kenya to learn how Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems contribute to biodiversity conservation and better nutrition both above and under water.

Producer: Veronica Vargas Roman
Presenter: Erica Galanti
©FAO

Enhancing food biodiversity in fisheries and forestry

Forests and biodiversity across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Western Balkans are at a critical crossroads, facing mounting pressures from climate change and long-standing degradation. This episode explores how the FAO–Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme is strengthening regional cooperation through the Improving Biodiversity and Sustainable Forestry project. Featuring insights from FAO forestry experts, Türkiye’s General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, and a project beneficiary from Montenegro, the episode highlights how shared expertise, modern planning tools, and capacity development are helping countries protect ecosystems while supporting communities and livelihoods.

To learn more about the FAO–Türkiye Partnership Programmes, please visit:
www.fao.org/europe/work-in-the-region/programmes-and-projects/fao-turkiye-partnership-programme/en 

www.fao.org/in-action/fao-turkey-partnership 


Biodiversity & Forests: A Regional Mission

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since 28 February. As of 13 April, vessels are still not moving in meaningful numbers. The last ships to leave before the blockade are now reaching their destinations, meaning the real supply gap is only beginning to materialise.
 
Key messages:
 
·       Before the conflict began, the strait carried 30-35% of global crude oil, 20% of natural gas, and up to 30% of internationally traded fertilizers.
 
·       Food commodity prices have not risen yet because existing stocks are absorbing the shock. But if the strait traffic does not resume, the shocks to energy and fertilizer markets will translate into higher commodity and retail prices later in 2026 and into 2027.
 
·       The crop calendar is the key constraint. As planting seasons begin, farmers must choose between absorbing higher input costs or reducing fertilizer and other input use. They need targeted, timebound support, as do low-income countries relying on food and fertilizer imports.
 
·       The disruption is not contained to the Gulf or South Asia. It is moving from east to west and from south to north. Export restrictions by major producers risk compounding the supply shortfall.
 
·       With diplomatic solutions and the right policy, there is still time to contain the current situation and prevent it from turning into a global food crisis.
 
This episode was recorded on 11 April 2025.  
Host: Katrin Park
Produced by: Eduardo De La Chica
Copyright: FAO

Update on the Global Agrifood Implications of the 2026 Conflict in the  Middle East - The Work We Do

In this episode of The Work We Do, we sit down with Charles Spillane, Chief Scientist at FAO. 

Charlie traces how his upbringing on a farm in Ireland and an early interest in science fiction shaped his techno-optimistic worldview and his belief in the power of science and innovation to improve society. 

 He discusses why scientific advances often fail to reach smallholder farmers, what it takes to close the gap between knowledge and adoption, and how financial, institutional, and systemic barriers can be addressed. 

Charlie explores the growing role of data in agriculture, including questions of ownership and governance, and the limitations of current research funding models. And he shares vision for a more effective, future-ready agrifood science system. 


00:00 Inequality and progress 
01:00 From farm to FAO 
08:28 Innovation in context 
11:11 The technology gap 
12:24 Data and control 
16:00 The digital divide 
21:10 Climate trade-offs 
27:07 Science funding 
32:46 Why FAO

The Work We Do - Ep 4. Science & Innovation in Agriculture and the Digital Divide. Charles Spillane

In this episode of Agrifood Talks: Systems, Policies and Progress, we explore how Zambia is driving agrifood systems transformation through stronger public-private collaboration. Featuring voices from civil society and the private sector, Chisanga Mwamba and Stewart Parkes share perspectives on Zambia's landmark Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) policy framework, the hub-and-spoke farming model, and how technology and cross-sector coordination are unlocking new opportunities for farmers at every scale. 

Audio Producer: Ruki Inoshita, Heriberto ArajuRodriguez and Megan Williams 
Presenter: Siobhan Kelly 
Technical producers: Zuba Mwanza, Pramisha Thapaliya and Vanessa Jones 
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the official position of FAO. 
Photo credit: ©FAO Zambia

Comprehensive policy and public-private partnerships: Zambia's journey towards agrifood systems transformation

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since February 28. As of May 18th, 2026, it remains shut. The chokehold on global energy and fertilizer supplies keeps expanding through agrifood systems worldwide. 

In this special episode of The Work We Do, we discuss the short, medium, and long-term structural policy solutions to the global agrifood impacts of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Policy Recommendations to Prevent a Global Food Crisis | Hormuz Crisis 2026 | The Work We Do

In this episode of The Work We Do, we speak with Lynnette Neufeld, Director of FAO’s Food and Nutrition Division, about the complex realities behind today’s nutrition challenges. 

The conversation explores the double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition and obesity can coexist within the same country, community, household or even individual. We also discuss why healthy diets costs more and the difficulties of advancing nutrition policies in contexts shaped by conflicting interests, commercial pressure and the need for stronger policy coherence. 

Lynnette reflects on her years working on the evaluation of Mexico’s landmark conditional cash transfer programme, the mentors and experiences in Latin America that shaped her path from young researcher to senior leader in international nutrition, and her vision for FAO’s role in the nutrition agenda: helping shift the focus from simply feeding the world to enabling access to and consumption of healthy diets for all. 

00:00	Evidence over interests 
00:45	Intro 
00:59	The double burden of malnutrition 
04:44	Policy responses 
08:20	Why unhealthy food is cheaper 
12:54	Nutrition beyond health 
14:41	Ultra-processed foods 
19:08	Commercial pressure 
22:39	The role of advertising 
25:30	Governments, business and civil society 
30:14	Healthy diets and misinformation 
32:51	FAO’s role in nutrition 
39:02	Mexico’s cash transfer programme 
42:17	Evaluation and implementation 
49:00	Latin America and mentorship 
01:10	Healthy diets

The Work We Do – Ep 5. Nutrition, agriculture, and the fight for healthy diets. Lynnette Neufeld

Sarah Cahill is the Secretary of Codex Alimentarius, the international body that develops the food standards behind much of what we eat, how it is labelled, and how it moves across borders.

In this episode of The Work We Do, Sarah joins us in the Situation Room to discuss the past, present and future of Codex.
We explore how Codex helped countries come together around scientific evidence to protect consumers, reduce foodborne risks and build trust in global food trade. Its work may be invisible to most people, but it sits behind everyday decisions: what appears on a food label, how contaminants are controlled, how additives are assessed, how hygiene rules are applied, and how countries agree that food is safe to trade.

Katrin and Sarah also discuss the difficult process of reaching agreement between countries, why some standards take years to develop, and how science helps create common ground in a world of different regulations, risks and food systems.
Finally, Sarah looks to the future: a warming planet, changing food safety hazards, water scarcity, seaweed, cell-based foods and the new questions regulators will need to answer.

A conversation about the quiet global work that helps keep food safe, and why it shapes our lives more than we realise.


The Work We Do – Food Safety and Codex Alimentarius. Sarah Cahill

In this episode of The Work We Do, we speak with Manuel Barange, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, about the realities behind fisheries, aquaculture and the future of aquatic foods.i 

Manuel breaks down the latest findings from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026, including the growing role of aquatic foods in global nutrition and food security, and discusses sustainability, fisheries management and how scientists measure fish stocks that cannot be directly counted. 

He also reflects on his career, from marine biologist and scientific observer at sea to senior leader at FAO, and shares his advice for young professionals entering the sector. 
 
Host :Katrin Park 
Produced by Eduardo De La Chica 
Copyright: FAO 

00:00 Introduction 

00:59 Are we running out of fish? 

06:13 How fisheries are measured and managed 

15:19 Sustainability, overexploitation and fish stocks 

21:30 Fighting illegal fishing through the Port State Measures Agreement 

31:19 Key findings from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 

35:06 Aquaculture, Blue Transformation and the future of aquatic foods 

48:34 Manuel’s career and advice for young professionals 

The Work We Do – Ep 7. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture | Manuel Barange

Global food markets are facing increasing pressure from conflict, climate extremes, economic uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions. Yet despite these shocks, global food markets often recover quickly and regain their equilibrium. But the resulting food price spikes can have severe consequences for food security, underscoring the importance of international cooperation. 

  

In this episode of The Work We Do, we speak with FAO Senior Economist George Rapsomanikis and Economist Andrea Zimmermann about The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO) 2026. They examine how shocks affect food trade and its implications for food security, what makes global markets resilient, and why international cooperation matters more than ever. 

  

1:40 Are there more shocks? 

4:04 Different types of shocks 

7:19 Characteristics of resilient markets 

9:12 Can markets absorb shocks? 

14:15 Ukraine, Hormuz, and trade risks 

16:11 How fast does market recover? 

20:20 Why food prices remain volatile 

21:59 The role of policy and international cooperation 

25:07 How can countries build resilience 

26:26 Takeaway 

The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets 2026 | SOCO Special Episode | The Work We Do

In this special episode, Chief Economist Maximo Torero and David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division, unpack the key findings of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2026. 


Global hunger has declined for the third consecutive year, but progress remains uneven across regions and is fragile. Meanwhile, a healthy diet is 25% more expensive than it was five years ago, and one third of the world's population cannot afford it. 


The episode examines the structural factors driving the cost of healthy diets in different regions and how compound risks can affect their cost. It discusses how social protection, including school feeding programs, and investments in agrifood systems and trade can help make nutritious foods more accessible for everyone.  


SOFI 2026: Understanding and Addressing the High Cost of a Healthy Diet 


Transcript: 
https://www.fao.org/media/docs/aboutfaolibraries/transcripts/sofi-2026-transcript_260721.pdf 
 

00:00 Intro   

01:05 Key statistics   

03:15 The cost of healthy diets   

06:45 Regional differences    

09:10 The role of trade and region-specific interventions 

11:05 Quinoa example  

12:16 Africa's progress and challenges 

20:22 Compound risks and building resilience   

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2026 | The Work We Do

Dryland agriculture in Nigeria’s Borno State is under growing pressure from climate change, water scarcity and declining soil productivity. This episode explores how the FAO–Türkiye Partnership Programmes are supporting crop diversification and sustainable production for smallholder farmers through South–South Cooperation between Türkiye and Nigeria. Featuring insights from a Nigerian crop protection specialist, an FAO plant production expert and Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the episode highlights how practical training, demonstration activities, knowledge exchange and the testing of crops such as chickpeas, lentils, black cumin and fenugreek are helping farmers strengthen their livelihoods and build more resilient farming systems.

To learn more about the FAO–Türkiye Partnership Programmes, please visit:
www.fao.org/europe/work-in-the-region/programmes-and-projects/fao-turkiye-partnership-programme/en 

www.fao.org/in-action/fao-turkey-partnership 


Seeds of resilience: Türkiye–Nigeria cooperation for sustainable dryland agriculture

Innovation changes lives. It means creating new solutions and sharing proven ones. When knowledge and proven solutions reach the people who need them most, communities thrive. Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow. Visit www.fao.org/wfd to learn more.

World Food Day 2026 - Public Service Announcement

创新，改变生活。它意味着探索新的解决方案，也意味着分享经过实践检验的经验。当知识和行之有效的解决方案惠及最需要的人群，社区方能焕发活力。创新当下 粮安未来 访问 www.fao.org/wfd，了解更多。

2026世界粮食日公益广告

L’innovation change les vies. C'est créer de nouvelles solutions et partager celles qui ont fait leurs preuves. Quand les connaissances et solutions efficaces parviennent à ceux qui en ont le plus besoin, les communautés prospèrent. Pour en savoir plus visitez www.fao.org/wfd

Día Mundial de la Alimentación 2026 - Anuncio de servicio públic

Инновации меняют жизнь. Это новые решения и распространение проверенных практик. Когда знания и проверенные решения доходят до людей, которые больше всего в них нуждаются, сообщества процветают. Внедряйте инновации уже сегодня. Чтобы прокормить мир завтра. Подробнее читайте на сайте www.fao.org/wfd

Всемирный день продовольствия 2026 года - социальная реклама

الابتكار يُحدث تحولًا في حياة الناس. ويعني ذلك ابتكار حلول جديدة وتبادل تلك التي أثبتت فعاليتها. عندما تصل المعارف والحلول المُجرَّبة إلى الأشخاص الأكثر احتياجًا إليها، تزدهر المجتمعات. ابتكار اليوم. غذاء الغد لمعرفة المزيد، يُرجى زيارة www.fao.org/wfd

يوم الأغذية العالمي 2026 - إعلان خدمة عامة

L’innovation change /transforme des vies. Cela signifie créer de nouvelles solutions et partager celles qui ont déjà fait leurs preuves. Lorsque les connaissances et les solutions éprouvées atteignent ceux qui en ont le plus besoin, les communautés prospèrent et se renforcent. Innovez des aujourd/hui. Pur nourrir deain/ vous nourrirez demain. Allez sur www.fao.org/wfd

Journée mondiale de l'alimentation 2026 - Message d'intérêt public

L'innovazione trasforma la vita. Significa creare nuove soluzioni e condividere quelle che funzionano. Quando sapere e soluzioni efficaci raggiungono chi ne ha più bisogno, le comunità possono crescere e prosperare. Innova oggi. Nutri il domani. Scopri di più su www.fao.org/wfd

Giornata Mondiale dell'Alimentazione 2026 - Annuncio di servizio pubblico

In this episode, we speak with Corinna Hawkes, Director of Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division. Corinna explains what it means to transform agrifood systems through a systems approach and why change requires looking beyond individual problems and solutions to the relationships, incentives, and power dynamics that shape our agrifood systems. She draws on examples from Brazil, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and New York City to show how evidence, governance, collaboration, and long-term thinking can help turn tradeoffs into wider benefits.  

 
Hosted by Katrin Park 
Produced by Eduardo De La Chica 
 

00:43  What does transforming agrifood systems mean? 

03:07  What is a “systems” approach? 

03:59  Systems approach v. coordination 

07:14  Marketing unhealthy foods to children 

10:00  Compromises and aligning incentives 

12:13  Navigating powerful interests 

15:12  Short election cycles and long-term commitments 

21:23  Monitoring transformation 

24:32  Systems approach in Sierra Leone 

27:05  Co-creating solutions in Tanzania 

28:14  Public procurement in New York City 

29:33  Corinna’s journey 

 

Transcript: https://www.fao.org/media/docs/aboutfaolibraries/transcripts/transcript_corinna-hawkes_260831.pdf 

The Work We Do Ep.8 - A Systems Approach for Agrifood Transformation | Corinna Hawkes

In this episode we are visiting the community of Engarasero, near the border or Kenya and Tanzania. For centuries, semi-nomadic Maasai tribes of East Africa have migrated and herded their cattle through the majestic lands of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. On the northern Tanzanian side, which we will focus on in this podcast, are millions of miles of Maasai-frequented territory. As Maasai tribes have evolved, along with the landscape of the region, Maasai traditions continue to be anchored in agro-pastoralism, which has been reinforced by their ability to cultivate within these difficult, arid drylands. But with Tanzania’s growing population, economic expansion, restructured land use and pressures of climate change on natural resources, modernity and the countries growth have presented challenges for the Massai people. Growth that threatens their ability to sustain themselves.

TZH 14 - Agricultural heritage and the Modern Maasai

More than 75 percent of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa prepare their lands using only hand tools. It’s a practice that results in poor productivity and repels young people. Which is why the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, and the African Union have developed a framework to roll out sustainable farm mechanization across the continent. The aim is to reduce drudgery, increase agricultural efficiency and boost food security. On this episode of TZH, we hear from Her Excellency Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, and Joseph Mpagalile, an agriculture engineer and expert at FAO.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas, FAO.
Photo: ©FAO/Olivier Asselin
Read the report online: http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca1136en

Sustainable mechanization for Africa

Bees, soils, trees – even the tiny organisms we can’t even see – all play a vital role in producing the world’s food. Yet, this biodiversity that supports our food and agriculture is in serious decline. So what does that mean for our future food? Dan Leskien from the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture explains.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas, FAO.
Photo: © FAO/Zinyange Auntony.

Biodiversity: Why its loss is your loss

Every year, around one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. Food loss and waste has all kinds of consequences for economies, food security and the environment. A new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, explains where exactly these losses are occurring along the food chain, from farm to fork, and how countries are stepping up to tackle the problem. Andrea Cattaneo, a senior economist at FAO, outlines the report.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas.
Read the report online: http://www.fao.org/publications/sofa/2019/en/

This audio is free for radio broadcasters to download, publish and distribute. Contact FAO-Audio@fao.org to share the link.

How to tackle food loss and waste?

FAO Podcasts, a multilingual audio series produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, addresses pressing global issues including hunger, poverty, agriculture, and sustainability. With content available in English, Spanish, and French, our dedicated audio team ensures these vital conversations are accessible to a global audience. Our three distinct formats - the concise FAO Brief, insightful FAO Talks, and the deeply human documentary pieces - serve as your gateway to understanding and participating in these critical global discussions. Tune in, enrich your perspective, and join us in shaping a more sustainable future for all.

The FAO of the UN 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. FAO's activities comprise four main areas:

1. Putting information within reach.
2. Sharing policy expertise.
3. Providing a meeting place for nations.
4. Bringing knowledge to the field.

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