The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recently released an alarming report shedding light on the urgent factors affecting global food security, particularly deforestation, livestock grazing, and the role of farmer field schools. This report was released at the FAO-Global Landscapes Forum digital forum “Transforming agrifood systems with forests.”
About the FAO
As a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger. It was founded in 1945, and World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16th to mark its anniversary. Based in Rome (Italy), FAO works alongside sister bodies: the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Deforestation Tops the Report’s Findings
The report highlighted crucial information regarding the state of global forests. According to FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2022, the world has lost a staggering 420 million hectares of forests in just two decades. This loss of forest cover correlates directly to the rate of deforestation, which stood at 11 million ha per year from 2000-2010.
Agricultural Expansion & the Depletion of Ecosystem Services
Agricultural expansion is one of the contributing factors to deforestation, accounting for approximately 90% of deforestation globally between 2000 and 2018. This trend negatively impacts ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity, which are integral to maintaining a balanced environment.
Population Growth and Food Demand
The report indicates that in order to support the growing global population, food demand will have to increase by 50% more in 2050 compared with 2012. Consequently, production will require 165 to 600 million more hectares of land for crop and livestock production, much of which is currently covered by forests and other critical ecosystems.
Strategies Towards Sustainable Food Production
The report discussed the importance of establishing ‘Forest Positive’ food production systems that we can achieve through synergies between agriculture and forests. Governments must create conditions that allow farmers to change their practices to maximize production while minimizing impact on forests and biodiversity. Particularly, the need to support smallholder farmers, who produce about 35% of the world’s food but often lack resources, is highlighted as a priority.
The Role of Restoring Degraded Land
Restoration of degraded land through properly integrated grazing can play a crucial role in halting desertification and improving wildfire prevention in drylands. Alluding to silvopastrolism (combining animal grazing and trees), the report explains how this approach can enhance local communities’ food security and income.
Livestock: Part of the Solution
In an integrated landscape approach utilizing agroforestry, the report suggests considering livestock as part of the solution. Livestock can play a part in controlling vegetation, reducing the risk of wildfires, accelerating nutrient cycles, and improving soil fertility.
FAO’s Initiatives
FAO has undertaken numerous initiatives globally, such as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and monitoring the Desert Locust situation. Additionally, they play a key role implementing the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme through the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and are responsible for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
FAO’s Notable Publications
Among its flagship publications are The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO), The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA), The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO), and World Food Price Index.
The report from FAO serves as a stark reminder of the pressing environmental challenges we face today. As we look forward, it becomes clear that developing strategies addressing these issues requires global cooperation to protect our ecosystems, ensure food security and promote sustainable agriculture.
