From Food And Agriculture Organization Research Articles

Urbanization and Nutrition Transition: Evidence From South Asia

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of urbanization on meat consumption in South Asian economies. To find the correlation between urbanization and meat consumption, we gathered data from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Bank. The empirical results show that urbanization, inflation and meat production have a significantly positive impact on meat consumption. From a policy perspective, considering the connection between nutrition and economic growth, it would serve the government well to take an interest in nutrition and food consumption so as to improve the economic growth of the country.

Determinants of Wheat Production in Nigeria (1981 – 2019): A Bounds Testing Approach

The study examined the analysis of trends and determinants of wheat production in Nigeria between 1981 and 2019. The data for this study are time series data at macro level spanning from 1981 to 2019. All the data were largely sourced from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistical data base, Penn world data of the university of Pennsylvania and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin. The data include output of wheat in Nigeria, local and international price of wheat, real exchange rate, and external reserve. The data were analyzed using autoregressive distributed lags to access the relationship between wheat output and factors affecting wheat production in Nigeria. Results showed that external reserve, per capita income, market reforms and technological advancement significantly increased wheat production in Nigeria. Consistency of government policies and policy actions geared towards reducing wheat imports should especially pursued by the government.

Türkiye su ürünleri endüstrisinin rekabet gücünün değerlendirilmesi

There has been a significant lack of data on product and input markets, aquaculture consumption characteristics, production, distribution and marketing issues, and supply and value chain in Turkish fishing and aquaculture sectors. Therefore, the study examined the competitiveness of the Turkish aquaculture industry. Time series data belonging the time period of 1976-2020 gathered from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Trade Organization and Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) were used in the study. In the research, the competitiveness of the Turkish fishing and aquaculture sector has been explored by using the Balassa index, total factor productivity and production costs. The research results show that the fisheries in Turkey are small-scale, technological level are insufficient and there are financial problems. Based on the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) values of the world and EU, which are 0.65 and 1.86, respectively, Turkey 's has competitive power over EU countries, while the reverse is the case for the world. Although fisheries supply chain has been established in Turkey, the value chain has not yet been fully established and activated. The study suggests increasing the efficiency in aquaculture production, having a strong interaction with the market during the production phase, having a high awareness of the price trends and consumer needs throughout the supply chain, using modern production and distribution technologies, and developing effective extension/education activities to reach the desired point in the Turkish aquaculture sector. Quality standards should be at the international level to increase export opportunities and competitiveness of Turkish aquaculture sector.

An Analysis on the Factors Affecting Food Consumption Diversity Trends

While the significance of food consumption diversity has been widely recognized with increased demands, numerous studies on food consumption diversity have been conducted. However, there is still a lack of research to identify the changes and detailed factors of food consumption diversity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the international level of food consumption diversity index as an attempt to examine in-depth changes and identify the patterns and determinants. This study utilized the Entropy index decomposition analysis and panel regression model using the food balance sheet from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank s international statistics. The results show that the diversity among the food groups (inter-food diversity index) and the diversity within the food groups (intra-food diversity index) both gradually increased worldwide, and their changes were correlated with income level, regional differences, and staple food. In addition, this study confirmed previously identified determinants of the food consumption diversity: income level, education level, women’s participation in economic activities, and urbanization rate. In particular, this study also confirmed the effect of the type of staple food and the degree of trade activation as the main determinants. This study provides more objective and in-depth results through analysis of the international level of food consumption diversity by detailed factors and the country group. This study is meaningful in that it provided the necessary implications not only for domestic food policy but also for agricultural development cooperation projects with developing countries that need to improve general nutrition and qualitative food security.

Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Maize (Zea mays) Yield over Tanzania

This study aimed at understanding the impacts of the seasonal hydroclimatic variables on maize yield and developing of statistical crop model for future maize yield prediction over Tanzania. The food security of the country is basically determined by availability of maize. Unfortunately, agriculture over the country is mainly rain fed hence highly endangered by the detrimental consequences of climate change and variability. Observed climate data was acquired from Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) and Maize yield data from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The study used the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope for trend and magnitude detection in minimum, maximum temperature and rainfall at the 95% confidence level. The results have shown that rainfall is decreasing over the country and especially during the growing season but increasing during short rains season. Characteristics of seasonal climatic variables, cycle during growing period were linked to maize yield, and high (low) yield was reported during anomalous wet (dry) growing seasons. This portrays seasonal dependence of maize production. Statistical crop model was built by aggregating spatial regions that have statistically significant relation with maize yield. Results show that, 58.8% of yield variance is linked to seasonal hydroclimate variability. Rainfall emerged as the dominant predictor variable for maize yield since it accounts for 44.1% of yield variance. The modeled and observed yields exhibit statistically substantial relationship (r = 0.78) hence depicting high credence of the built statistical crop model. Also, the results revealed a decreasing trend in Maize yield with further Lessing trend is projected to proceed in the future. This calls for adaptation and implementation of appropriate regional measures to raise maize production in order to feed the burgeoning human population amidst climate change.

Implementasi Evaluasi Lahan untuk Pengembangan Komoditas Tanaman berdasarkan Kesesuaian Agroklimat

<em>Research</em><em> activity is a form of expert service by the Research Group (RG) of "Agricultural Development Based on Local Soil-Land Characteristics" to its partner of the Wonoagung Wonogiri Organic Agriculture Association (Perkumpulan Pertanian Organik Wonoagung Wonogiri,</em> <em>PPOWW). </em><em>The provision of suitable land for plant growth by partner is a required aspect in the development of certain commodities. Expert services by the RG is involving the implementation of land suitability evaluation based on agroclimatic conditions. The objective of the activity is to provide data and information on land suitability levels for certain commodities based on climatic conditions. The area which became the object of this research activity is where the PPOWW partner is located; namely Sidoharjo Sub-district, Wonogiri Regency. The secondary data was obtained from relevant sources in the form of annual rainfall (mm year<sup>-1</sup>), annual average air temperature (°C) and annual average humidity (%). The method of agroclimate suitability evaluation was carried out by following the procedure from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), by matching climatic conditions with plant growth requirements. Plant commodities that were evaluated for their suitability were durian, salak, mangosteen, apples and avocado. The results showed that durian is a suitable commodity (S1) with climatic conditions in Sidoharjo Sub-district. Salak and avocado are quite suitable commodities (S2). Meanwhile, mangosteen is a commodity which is moderately suitable (S3); whereas apple is a commodity that is not suitable (N). Durian, salak and avocado are commodities which have the potential to be developed by PPOWW in Sidoharjo Sub-district. The next stage of the evaluation implementation requires data and information on the suitability of soil conditions.</em>

Vantagem comparativa revelada da indústria da carne de frango brasileira e dos principais players (2009-2016)

Este artigo objetivou analisar a competitividade das exportações de carne de frango pelos principais players, incluindo o Brasil, e pela Polônia. Nesse sentido, utilizaram-se os Índices de Vantagem Comparativa Revelada e o de Vantagem Comparativa Revelada Simétrica para analisar a cadeia de produção da carne de frango exportada pelos principais produtores. Os dados de natureza secundária foram coletados na Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), além do Ministério da Indústria, Desenvolvimento e Comércio Exterior (MDIC), no período de 2009 a 2016. Os resultados indicaram vantagem comparativa nas exportações brasileiras, em todo o período. Em relação aos Estados Unidos e à China, houve vantagem em dois anos, mas em momentos distintos, enquanto que, nos demais, houve desvantagem comparativa. O Brasil perdeu representatividade e vem diminuindo seus índices assim como os demais países, exceto a Tailândia, que vem melhorando seus índices mesmo com a crise, e a Polônia, que aumentou sua representatividade devido ao incentivo à produção e à conquista do produto pela alta qualidade empregada no processo produtivo.

Remotely Sensed Methodologies for Crop Water Availability and Requirements in Precision Farming of Vulnerable Agriculture

Agriculture is mainly impacted by water availability. Differences in climate conditions and the appearance of severe events, like droughts, has a significant imprint on local, regional and global agricultural productivity. The goal of this paper is to present remotely sensed approaches for water availability and requirements in vulnerable agriculture. Earth Observation (EO) data contribute to precision agriculture for efficient crop monitoring and irrigation management. A drought susceptible region considered as vulnerable farming was chosen, in the Thessaly prefecture in Central Greece. Water availability is measured by means of precipitation frequency examination and drought estimation. Crop water requirements are measured by assessing crop evapotranspiration (ET) with the synergistic use of WV-2 satellite images and ground-truth data. The remote-based ETcsat is assessed by utilizing the reference ETo derived from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) methodology, while the meteorological data and Kc are evolved from Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). According to the rainfall frequency studies, indicators demonstrate a significant precipitation decrease. The results reveal the importance of water availability estimation for facing agriculture water needs and the necessity for monitoring of drought conditions in a vulnerable Mediterranean area in order to plan an integrated strategy for climate adaptation. Moreover, the conclusions clarify the usefulness of collaborating innovative very high spatial and sperctral resolution EO images along with ground-truth data for crop ET monitoring and also the assimilation into the precision agriculture methodology which is valuable for optimal agricultural production.

Sediment predictions in Wadi Al-Naft using soil water assessment tool

Sediment production is the amount of sediment in the unit area that is transported through the basin by water transfer over a specified period of time. The main aim of present study is to predict sediment yield of Wadi, Al-Naft watershed with 8820 Km2area, that is located in the North-East of Diyala Governorate in Iraq, using Soil-Water Assessment Tool, (SWAT) and to predict the impact of land management and the input data including the land use, soil type, and soil texture maps which are obtained from Landsat-8 satellite image. Digital Elevation Model,(DEM) with resolution (14 14) meter is used to delineate the watershed with the aid of model. Three Land-sat images were used to cover the study area which were mosaic processed and the study area masked- up from the mosaic, image. The area of study has been registries by Arc-GIS 10.2 and digitized the soil hydrologic group through assistant of Soil Plant Assistant Water Model, (SPAW) which was progressed by USDA, Agricultural, Research Service, using the data of soil textural and organic matter from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the available water content, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and bulk density. The results of average, sediment depth and the maximum upland sediment for simulation period (2010-2020) were predicted to be (1.7 mm), and (12.57 Mg/ha), respectively.

Baseline simulation for global wheat production with CIMMYT mega-environment specific cultivars

Climate change is expected to impact global food supply and food security by affecting growing conditions for agricultural production. Process-based dynamic growth models are important tools to estimate crop yields based on minimum inputs of climate, soil, crop management, and crop cultivar parameters. Using region-specific cultivar parameters is critical when applying crop models at a global scale because cultivars vary in response to climate conditions, soils, and crop management. In this study, parameters were developed for modern cultivars representing all 17 CIMMYT wheat Mega Environments (MEs) using field experimental data and genetic cultivar relationships for the CROPSIM-CERES model in DSSAT v 4.5 (Decision-Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer). Cultivar performance was tested with independent CIMMYT breeding trial field experiments across several locations. Then crop simulations were carried out at 0.5×0.5° pixels for global wheat-growing areas, using cultivars representing MEs, soil information, region-specific crop management, and initial soil conditions. Aggregated simulated wheat yields and production were compared to reported country yields and production from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics, resulting in a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.3t/ha for yield and 2.2Mt/country for country production. Some of the simulated errors are relatively large at country level because of uncertainties in pixel information for climate, soil, and crop management input and partly because of crop model uncertainties. In addition, FAO yield statistics have uncertainties because of incomplete farm reports or poor estimates. Nevertheless, this new cultivar-specific, partially-validated global baseline simulation enables new studies on issues of food security, agricultural technology, and breeding advancement impacts combined with climate change at a global scale.

An Analysis of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free TradeArea (FTA): Implications for the Liquid Milk Consumers and Producers’ Potential Welfare in Swaziland

Free Trade Area (FTA) is a regional integration agreement that removes tariffs among members, but leaves them with autonomy to set their tariffs with non-member countries. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched its free trade area since 2008, but this process has remained a statement of intent for some member countries. This paper analyzed the SADC Free Trade Area - Implications for the Liquid Milk Consumers and Producers' Potential Welfare in Swaziland.Time series data for thirty-six years(1975- 2010) were sourced from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Swaziland Dairy Board (SDB), the Swaziland Central Statistics Office and Milk Producer Organization of South Africa. Data were analyzed using the partial equilibrium model to evaluate the welfare change; the log-regression models to estimate the price elasticities; and the error correction model to capturethe adjustment speed. Results show a potential positive net social welfare (198% increase in market); the price elasticities of demand and supply are0.02 and 0.04, respectively and significant at 5 per cent (p < 0.05); and the error correction model (ECM) is -0.62. These results suggest that Swaziland should not only be committed to free trade agreement, but also to all regional integration processes in order to reap economic benefits from regional trade liberalization.

Comparison of irrigation scheduling strategies for achieving water use efficiency in highbush blueberry

A glasshouse experiment was carried out to assess the feasibility of applying partial rootzone drying (PRD) to highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). A subsequent field experiment was established to assess four irrigation strategies with the aim of improving water use efficiency in blueberry production. Applying PRD to plants during a glasshouse experiment reduced stomatal conductance without reducing plant water potential. Hindered by high rainfall, a physiological response to PRD was not repeated in field grown plants. However, irrigation scheduled using a Kc (crop coefficient) curve constructed from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 56 guidelines and post-harvest regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) delivered annual water savings of 0.8 ML ha−1 and 1.3 ML ha−1, respectively, compared with a total 3.6 ML ha−1 applied using a ‘rule-of-thumb’ approach commonly adopted by Australian blueberry growers. These savings were achieved without reducing berry yield or quality. This study is the first to report on the feasibility of applying FAO 56 guidelines, RDI and PRD as strategies to maximize water use efficiency in highbush blueberry production.

Identifying Priorities for Emergency Intervention from Child Wasting and Mortality Estimates in Vulnerable Areas of the Horn of Africa

The relation between anthropometric measures and mortality risk in different populations can provide a basis for deciding how malnutrition prevalences should be interpreted. To assess criteria for deciding on needs for emergency interventions in the Horn of Africa based on associations between child wasting and mortality from 2000 to 2005. Data were analyzed on child global acute malnutrition (GAM) prevalences and mortality estimates from about 900 area-level nutrition surveys from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda; data on drought, floods, and food insecurity were added for Kenya (Rift Valley) and Ethiopia, from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports at the time. Higher rates of GAM were associated with increased mortality of children under 5 years of age (U5MR), more strongly among populations with pastoral livelihoods than with agricultural livelihoods. In all groups spikes of GAM and U5MR corresponded with drought (and floods). Different GAM cutoff points are needed for different populations. For example, to identify 75% of U5MRs above 2/10,000/day, the GAM cutoff point ranged from 20% GAM in the Rift Valley (Kenya) to 8% in Oromia or SNNPR (Ethiopia). Survey results should be displayed as time series within geographic areas. Variable GAM cutoff points should be used, depending on livelihood or location. For example, a GAM cutoff point of 15% may be appropriate for pastoral groups and 10% for agricultural livelihood groups. This gives a basis for reexamining the guidelines currently used for interpreting wasting (or GAM) prevalences in terms of implications for intervention.

Brucellosis as Priority Public Health Challenge in South Eastern European Countries

Brucellosis is a global zoonosis that presents severe public health challenge and major economic burden, especially for the countries in the South Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. The incidence of brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis is very high, primarily in sheep and goats. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated brucellosis as one of 7 neglected, under-detected, and underreported zoonotic diseases and it remains a major cause of morbidity throughout the world, with serious health implications, particularly for the poorest segment of the human population and in medically underserved regions (1,2). B. melitensis infection in livestock decreases productivity, mostly through increased number of abortions and weak offspring, decreased milk production, and loss of trade opportunities. B. melitensis is very contagious for humans and the disease, if not treated promptly and effectively, can become chronic and affect multiple body systems, causing severe complications (3). Economic losses caused by the disease in humans are a consequence of long-term hospital treatment, cost of drugs, and loss of work or income due to illness. Costs related to brucellosis are further increased by costly control and eradication programs: serology tests for animal check-ups, animal vaccine, and compensation to the farmers for slaughter of the infected animals (4,5). Regional conflicts and wars or reduced vigilance in control programs, together with international travel and trade in agricultural products, have resulted in a resurgence and deterioration of the disease in some developing countries, including the countries formed after the breakup of Yugoslavia (4,6,7). In 2009, the Government of Macedonia and the German Academic Exchange Service and ReplekPharm-Skopje sponsored the International MetaNET Project Thematic Scientific Conference Brucellosis in South Eastern Europe and Mediterranean Region, which was held in Struga, Republic of Macedonia, from 12-14 November, 2009 (www.brucellosis09.iph.mk). The Conference was attended by more than 150 experts from almost 20 countries in Europe and beyond, representatives from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), European Commission, and the WHO, as well as 10 top-level experts on brucellosis from all over the world, who were invited as keynote speakers. The aims of the Conference were the following: • to review the current strategies and approaches and identify weak points in brucellosis prevention and control; • to initiate the exchange of knowledge and data from fundamental and applied research, experiences, and views on various epidemiological and public health aspects of brucellosis, veterinary conditions, and activities including vaccines and animal models, immunology, molecular biology and genomics, laboratory and sero-diagnostics, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, and treatment of patients with brucellosis; • to encourage collaboration and strengthen international ties and professional networks among South Eastern European and Mediterranean countries and beyond; and • to provide a forum for discussion and recommend tools and procedures relevant to perspective developments in various aspects of brucellosis prevention, control, and eradication at the national and international level. The Declaration adopted at the conference (web extra material)(web extra material 1) is a positive step toward sharing the essential information and experiences for promoting brucellosis prevention, control, and eradication (8). It endorses the concept of “One world – one health – one medicine” as a new professional and public health imperative and cooperation among veterinary and human health services, professionals, and authorities, stock-breeders, and food production industry (9). It also fosters the organized intersectorial and regional collaboration within and between the countries in South Eastern Europe, with technical and financial support from the European Commission, FAO, and other international organizations. All countries in the region should be included, regardless of the magnitude of brucellosis incidence (10). To further contribute to such efforts, FAO, the International Organization for Animal Health, and the WHO intend to develop a standard “peer review” evaluation process of national and regional brucellosis control and eradication programs, which must be properly planned, coordinated, and resourced. Country-specific programs might be submitted to FAO for review and be a subject of modifications at the country level (3,10).

A national forest resources assessment for Costa Rica based on low intensity sampling

A goal of a National Forest Inventory (NFI) is the provision of information which is relevant and required for national level decision making and monitoring in forestry, but also for related sectors. This paper presents and discusses a pilot study from Costa Rica where in 2000/2001 a low intensity sampling approach was used to generate national level forestry information. On a 15 km × 15 km grid air photo plots were interpreted for forest and land cover type. Readily available 1997 aerial photographs were used that were, however, only available for about 70% of the country: of the 228 grid points for the whole country only 159 could be aerial photo interpreted. Out of the 15 km × 15 km base grid of sample points, a 2 × 3 subset was selected for field assessment, resulting in a sample of 40 cluster plots, each comprising of four elongated rectangular sub-plots of 150 m × 20 m located on the perimeter of a square of 500 m side length. Two novel components were integrated into the inventory: (1) the field plots were established on all lands, so that the tree resource was not only tallied inside forests but also on all other tree-bearing lands outside forests. (2) In addition to the biophysical information gathered on the traditional field plots, interviews were carried out with forest owners on the site of the field plots, in order to obtain data on the use of the forest resource. Field work was carried out by 6 field crews and took altogether about 3 months. Results were generated from the field samples for the entire country. Aerial photo based area estimates were compared to the corresponding estimations from field sampling for the same area. According to the field sampling the forest cover for Costa Rica in 2001 is estimated to be 48.4% (simple standard error percent 9.3%). An estimated 8.2% of the total volume (dbh > 30 cm, all species) is outside forest. This inventory took place with support from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the framework of FAO–Forest Resources Assessment's (FRA) Program Support to National Forest Assessments; it was carried out jointly by Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC), the Costa Rican authority responsible for forestry issues, and Centro Agronómico de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE), an international agricultural research center. Experiences of the study were subsequently used to implement similar inventories in three more countries (Guatemala, Cameroon, The Philippines).