FAO calls for greater support for mountain family farming

Poor groups in mountain areas have great potential to improve food security and nutrition

rural women in mid-western Nepal bring home fuelwood gathered from nearby forests.

2013 rome, 11 December-Protecting land tenure, giving mountain family farms access to resources and strengthening mountain infrastructure are among the main ways to improve the livelihoods and food security of mountain and lowland communities, FAO said today.

To commemorate the United Nations" international Mountain Day FAO today launched a new publication. Mountain Agriculture as Family Farming. According to the book, in developing and transition countries, about 40 per cent of mountain dwellers-around 0.3 billion-are food insecure, and half of them are chronically undernourished.

Globally, mountains provide fresh water to half the world's population, thanks largely to the management of water and soil by millions of mountain farmers. Mountains are also a treasure trove of global biodiversity, and for centuries, mountain farmers have not only provided valuable nutrients to their families, but have also been the custodian of this genetic wealth.

"This report comes at a time of discussion on the post -2015 development agenda," said Eduardo Rojas-Briales, FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry. "We should ensure that issues related to sustainable mountain development are adequately reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the post -2015 development agenda. Raising awareness and support for mountain farmers through an enabling policy environment will benefit mountain people and those lowland populations who enjoy their products and services."

rapid Transformation

today, family farming is undergoing a rapid transformation in high mountain areas due to population growth, economic globalization, the spread of urban lifestyles and the migration of men and youth to urban areas. It has led to increased workloads for women, greater pressure on local resources and greater vulnerability of mountain farmers to global change.

At the same time, these changes also provide opportunities for local development. For example, mountain dwellers can diversify their income by engaging in non-agricultural activities such as tourism and selling local handicrafts.

The publication provides case studies from around the world showing how mountain regions and peasant households have benefited from the opportunities these changes have created.

"2014 international Year of Family Farming it provides an opportunity to focus on the benefits and challenges of family farming in mountain areas, "said Rosara Romeo, Programme Officer, FAO Forestry Department. "For centuries, family farming in mountainous areas has been small in scale and low in carbon emissions, which has promoted sustainable development."

develop strategies to support mountain agriculture

secure land tenure, women's empowerment and investment in public education, health, transport and research are key requirements for promoting sustainable family farming in mountain regions. Improving access to credit is also crucial for mountain farmers.

Family farming policies in mountain areas should help to strengthen the development of regional centres and small towns, provide alternative employment opportunities in the handicraft, industrial and service sectors, boost the local economy and reduce population exodus.

Sustainable mountain family agricultural production can provide vital ecosystem services to lowland areas, and farmers should be compensated for it. These services include good watershed management to ensure freshwater supplies, biodiversity conservation, and cultural landscapes for tourism and leisure purposes.

organic agriculture

another way to help farmers improve their livelihoods is to create, label and sell organically produced mountain produce.

In the Indian state of Sikkim, for example, 64 per cent of the population in the Himalayan mountains is directly dependent on family farming. The Government's decision to implement an organic farming policy in the state has increased production margins through organic product premiums and job creation. The Government covers the cost of certification and provides free inputs, equipment, training and extension services.

Encouraging cooperation and enforcement activities, such as farmers' associations and cooperatives, can help lower market access barriers.

http://www.fao.org/news/story/zh/item/209914/icode/

man of Feeding