Farm Security for Food Security

Agricultural production in the Caribbean is being threatened by many factors such as decreasing availability of arable land, climate change effects such as increased incidences of flooding and drought, labour shortages, and competition from importers. However, one of the most important threats to agricultural production is the often under-recognised and under-reported area of farm theft (referred to as praedial larceny in the Caribbean). It involves the theft of agricultural produce (crops, livestock and fisheries) and farm equipment. One of the main reasons why this threat is so important is that theft of this type is very hard to prove. If indeed perpetrators are caught, and prosecuted successfully, the penalty is practically negligible. This paper examines the current status of farm theft in the Caribbean region, explores some of the main factors influencing farm theft, reviews some of the strategies attempted in the Caribbean and other places around the world and makes several suggestions to create a more secure food region. While the discussion calls on food producers to take several best practice actions to mitigate losses to praedial larceny, it emphasises that the primary responsibility is with government-led actions in the areas of modernised policies, updated laws and enhanced enforcement efforts.

Are GM Crops the Answer to Africa's Critical Food Security Status?

Despite unprecedented technological breakthroughs and rising incomes, the most basic human requirement–food security remains out of reach of many. The countries of Africa are the worst affected, and consistently score lowest on the Global Hunger Index. The downside of technological advance and increasing urbanisation is the decrease in cultivable land and water availability exacerbated by climatic unpredictability. While concerted efforts are on to control the crisis, it is time to take positive action and capture technology to boost food security. Genetically Modified (GM) crops engineered to be drought/flood resistant, reduce pesticide requirements or provide vitamins open up tremendous possibilities for enhancing food and nutrition security and counteracting negative environmental impacts. This paper reviews the current status of GM crops in Africa, the scope for expansion, possible impacts on food security and the validity of existing concerns about bio-safety and farmers' needs in the light of developing country experience.

ICTs for Agricultural Development and Food Security in Developing Nations

Development has many faces and complete wellbeing of human population is the most important one of them which in more than one ways involves agriculture and the farming population. Providing needed information at the right time to the rural population is the first step in their empowerment and ICTs can play an immensely important role in providing that information by increasing the dialogue between development professionals and rural people at every stage of development process. According to recent statistics released by ITU, over the last 15 years, ICTs have grown in unprecedented ways providing huge opportunities for social and economic development and this growth can be an advantage to rural advisory services. Providing correct and personalized information needs expert opinions and so multi-stakeholder engagement makes the process more efficient and ICTs provide a very unique and important platform for such collaboration, thus bringing together different stakeholders for efficient partnership. The various tools and technologies can also be tailored according to the needs of end users. But inspite of the advantages, ICTs can only be universally accepted and used when the challenges of accessibility, acceptability, funding, and sustainability are overcome. There are no formula for sure success with ICTs and situation is the best determinant of the strategy to be used and so, a balanced and strategic use of ICTs depending on the clients' needs can best utilize its potential for agricultural development and food security in developing nations.

Integrating Spatial Technologies in Urban Environments for Food Security

Food security for the urban poor has been an important topic for both developed and developing countries over the last 15 years. Although South Bend Indiana is a city in a developed country, declining economic circumstances have caused the city to show significant urban decay somewhat similar to some cities in developing countries. In this chapter, we explore South Bend's history and economic development strategies, and review practices aimed at strengthening food security for the urban poor. The chapter documents how numerous disparate organizations have been trying to help alleviate urban poverty and hunger, and reviews previous strategies used to foster sustainable growth and development. The integration of spatial technologies will become a key factor for promoting community social networks, participatory planning, and collaboration. The case is presented for the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and associated technologies to help organizations, community leaders, local organizations, city planners, higher education institutions and the urban poor, work together to alleviate poverty and malnutrition through networking and sustainable urban agriculture.

The Temporal and Spatial Development of Organic Agriculture in Turkey

The world's population is increasing rapidly and the food need for the increasing population has been growing also. In the 21st century, efforts for the sustainable use of the natural resources have been raised all around the world. Agriculture has always been on the center of discussions and developments as an activity carried out depending on the nature. Therefore, the sustainable agricultural systems have gained a considerable importance in recent years. This chapter will examine the temporal and spatial development of the organic agriculture in Turkey. The current situation of the agricultural sector in Turkey will be reviewed and the need for a sustainable agricultural system in Turkey be analyzed. The temporal and spatial change of the organic agricultural areas, numbers of producers and products, and organic production amounts in Turkey will be put forward. Also, the organic agricultural potential of Turkey will be evaluated and the reasons for not exploiting this potential will be investigated.

Social and Environmental Impacts on Agricultural Development

Addressing environmental and social impacts on agricultural development and food security is a global priority since increased food production of 60-70% is estimated to be required by 2050 to feed the growing world population. In developing nations, the situation is more acute since fewer social, technological and financial resources are available to combat climate change, which is expected to have negative effects on agricultural production, and there are other constraints to achieving food security. This chapter explores the social and environmental issues affecting agricultural production facing farmers and other agricultural practitioners, policy makers, institutions and stakeholders in the developing world. It will also address how progress in research in emerging economies can be put to maximum benefit in the face of these existing social and environmental challenges. A cohesive strategy to address these challenges is presented.

Promoting Agricultural Productivity and Inclusive Growth in Uganda

Although many countries in the world including Uganda witnessed high rates of economic growth in the last three decades, the strong growth has failed to holistically deliver the expected prosperity. Amidst Uganda's strong growth of about 7% per annum, of the recent decades, poverty, unemployment and inequality have remained pervasive especially in the rural areas; an indication that the growth process has not been pro-poor and inclusive of the deprived. Agriculture which is the sector employing majority of Uganda's poor has also not developed much; within the same period the sector grew at an average rate of 2% per annum and its productivity has remained considerably low. This chapter reviews the trending conception of inclusive economic growth, and its relevance to Uganda's development process. In its final section, the chapter assesses the factors that affect agricultural productivity and it discusses the most effective means of raising productivity in order to make the growth process of the country more broad-base, pro-poor and inclusive.

Appropriate Extension Methodologies for Agricultural Development in Emerging Economies

Over two-thirds of the world's poorest people are located in rural areas and engaged primarily in agriculture and agricultural-related activities for their livelihood. Therefore, the future of most underdeveloped and developing nations depends on agriculture. Most African Countries have agricultural dependent economies that are hinged to rain-fed agriculture and based on smallholdings. These countries are referred to as countries with emerging economies and characterized as having low to middle per capita income and represent 20% of the world's economies. This chapter discusses; concepts of agricultural extension methodologies assessed from past to present, appropriating extension methodologies to encourage agricultural development, identifying roles of agricultural extension activities in agricultural development and factors influencing the choice of appropriate extension methodologies in emerging economies. It concludes with the constraints to sustainable agricultural development and extension methodologies which if removed will have the potential for progression towards economy development. Developing countries should fashion a sustainable extension system that will be socially acceptable and culturally compatible, economically viable and environmentally friendly.

Strengthening Food Security with Sustainable Practices by Smallholder Farmers in Lesser Developed Economies

Smallholder farming has played a key role in reducing world hunger and the focus now turns to consolidating these gains. What practices and policies will enable smallholders to sustain their livelihoods and strengthen food security? Following a brief discussion of agricultural models, and the global shift to sustainable development goals, this chapter examines practices of smallholder farmers in St. Kitts with examples from elsewhere. Assessing what has worked and what barriers continue to limit smallholder success, the chapter offers a list of adaptive strategies, policy recommendations, and areas for future research that can maximize smallholder farming impact on food security. Suggested priorities include: focusing research and policies on individual farm enterprises; moving toward an integrated farm model; adopting best practices in marketing, distribution, and accounting; improving government support; and adapting education programs to include modernized curricula, non-formal education, and the use of ICTs for training and extension at all levels.

Horticulture as a Reliable Source of Livelihood in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

The tropical region is typically warm to hot and moist year-round with lush vegetation thus is favourable for horticultural diversity. The horticulture sector has shown remarkable progress in production and the shift in consumption patterns towards healthier diets within the principles of sustainability. Plantation crops are major contributors to the farm income and livelihoods of millions of people in the tropical region, while fruits and vegetables have direct roles in improved health through their micronutrient and antioxidants properties. Tuber and root vegetables are staple diets for indigenous tribes and one cannot imagine tribal life without coconut. Plantations crops and spices bring additional farm income and add flavour to foods and life. Medicinal plants have huge potential in the modern pharmaceutical and functional food industries. Research and development efforts have made horticulture an indispensable option for livelihood and nutrition, however, there are several issues which need timely attention for sustainable development.