carapn publication review #4 (28-11-2013)
DESCRIPTION
A selection of publications that highlights studies, reports and other documents on topics and issues of relevance for the Caribbean, which can inform and contribute to the policy dialogue, formulation and implementation processes.TRANSCRIPT
1
Sep-Dec 2013
A se lect ion of pub l i cat ions t ha t h igh l ights s t ud ie s , repor ts and other documents
on top ic s and is sues of re levance for t he Car ibbean , wh ich can inform and
contr ibute to t he po l i cy d ia logue , fo rmulat ion and implementat ion proces ses .
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
Packing For Organic Foods
International Trade Centre ( ITC) 2012
As the organic market continues to develop, the regulations surrounding ‘organic’ produce become more
and more important. One such area of regulation is that of packaging, being sometimes not fully
understood and leveraged in marketing by small scale farmers in developing nations. This technical paper
seeks to address that issue in an effort to enable the productivity of these enterprises. It is a careful step
by step process in developing environmentally conscious organic product packaging and design. It
explains the regulations for packaging for organic foods and gives considerations that must be taken into
account when choosing materials, based on the nature of the product. This paper is valuable for organic
and other small/medium enterprises interested in using packaging as a basis for differentiating their
product, and would be informative for extension and other support services working with them.
http://www.intracen.org/Packaging-for-Organic-Foods/
Con tac t : Alexander Kasterine (Head, Trade and Environment Programme)
I n fo : [email protected].
TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
Down to earth: Sustainable rural transformation
Kanayo F. Nwanze IFAD, 2013
In the area of development, agricultural sustainability and poverty eradication continue to be catch
phrases that pervade the discourse. “Down to Earth” is concise and directed in its look at this issue. It
highlights the inescapable links between food security, poverty eradication and rural development. Using
an example of a fishing community in Mozambique, it encourages a deeper look at how development
strategies are designed and to think more critically about the scope of these efforts. With the end of the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target date of 2015 looming, this short publication is a reminder
of the depth of work that must be done in order to make a serious contribution to sustainable rural
development, food security and poverty eradication.
http://www.ifad.org/pub/viewpoint/viewpoint4.pdf
Con tac t : Kanayo F. Nwanze (President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development) I n fo : [email protected]
Sustainable Agriculture - A pathway out of poverty for India's rural poor
GTZ Sustainet. 2006
This publication draws awareness to the significance of sustainable agriculture to rural development and
poverty eradication. It reveals the state of food and nutrition insecurity in East Africa and explains the potential for development through agriculture. It contains nine examples of successful sustainable agriculture projects in East Africa, namely Tanzania and Kenya and makes suggestions on policy changes and scaling up sustainable agriculture approaches. Policy makers and indeed all those involved in rural development or agriculture as well as governments committed to attaining the target for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will find this an interesting read.
http://www.agrecol.de/?Q=en/Sustainable_agriculture
Con tac t : Ra l f Wyrw in sk i ( Fede ra l M in i s t ry fo r E conom ic Coopera t io n and Deve lopmen t )
I n fo : www.sustainet.org
2
July-Sep 2013
TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
Public-Private Collaboration for Export Success-Case Studies from Barbados, Ghana, India, Thailand and Malaysia
International Trade Centre. 2011.
This publication suggests that solving the world’s pressing problems require more than public sector intervention
alone. It requires collaboration and investment on the part of both the public and private sector. Five successful
case studies of public-private collaborations in developing countries are reviewed within, expressing the value
of business advocacy on trade policy issues and perhaps most interestingly showcasing the Barbados Tourism
Board as a good example in the Caribbean. The aim of the publication is to increase public-private
partnerships in an effort to advance the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
http://www.intracen.org/Public-Private-Collaboration-for-Export-Success---Case-studies-from-Barbados-Ghana-India-
Thailand-and-Malaysia/
Info: [email protected]
CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY
Ral ly i ng t he Reg ion to Ac t ion on C l imate Change (RRACC) . The OECS Cl imate Change Seminar - C l imate
Change , Tour i sm and Agr icu l t ure - A look a t Impact s and Adaptat io ns . 2013
This report is the third is a series of seminars conducted for the Reduce the Risks to Human and Natural Assets
Resulting from Climate Change (RRACC) Project implemented in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS). Its focus is on the effects of climate change on the economic sectors. The report indicates the estimated
damage to both the tourism and the agriculture sectors which play vital roles in the economies of small island
developing states (SIDS). Recommendations for adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change on
both of these sectors were documented across the dimensions of policy reform and institutional arrangements to
planning, development and training. In addition to providing interesting information on the agriculture or the
tourism sectors of the OECS, this report is an important read for government agencies, NGOs and other
developmental organizations to stimulate discussion on the current issues and challenges of sustainable
development in a changing world.
http://www.oecs.org/rracc-documents-reports
Con tac t : L av i na A lexande r
E -ma i l : l av ina .a lexande r@gmai l . com
The importance of scaling up for agricultural and rural development.
Kevin Cleaver, IFAD. 2013.
This paper explores the relationship between agriculture, poverty and hunger, finding that an increase in
agricultural growth almost always coincides with a decline in malnutrition and poverty. It suggests therefore
that if governments make a substantial effort in the development of their agricultural sector then poverty
eradication and the elimination of hunger will inevitably follow. The paper goes onto explore ways to
stimulate agricultural growth, making a point to note that investments on the part of both the government
and the donors must be broad and at scale to enable development. It references IFAD’s own 20 year
experience in Peru as an example.
http://www.ifad.org/pub/op/4.pdf
Con tac t : Kevin Cleaver (Associate Vice-President Programme Management Department IFAD)
Info: [email protected]
3
July-Sep 2013
CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY
FAO. Cassava Farmer Field Schools
M. Ameua, J.Hirea, D.Kamalanduac et al. 2013.
Cassava has been able to contribute significantly to the food security of many homes in the African region and
can be used in a number of industries. Recent outbreaks of diseases have led to a need to mitigate its effects
on this vital crop in African agriculture. The publication presents experiences of four countries: Angola, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Uganda, with a focus on cassava farmer field schools. It focuses
on ways of educating farmers about diseases but also incorporates other aspects of cassava production and
post-harvest handling. Cassava has been identified as a crop that will also be beneficial in contributing to the
food security of the Caribbean region. The experiences of the African farmer field schools may prove useful
for extension officers promoting the development of cassava production in the Caribbean.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3447e/i3447e.pdf
Con tac t : pub l i ca t io n s - sa le s@fao .o rg
I n fo : h t t p ://www .fao .o rg
Climate Smart Smallholder Agriculture –What’s Different?
E. Grainger-Jones, IFAD, 2011.
This report highlights some of the major issues facing smallholder agriculture as it moves towards becoming
climate-smart. Explaining that climate change not only intensifies previous risks in agriculture but also presents
new risks and perhaps unidentified long term risks, the report suggest three areas that require change in its
response to climate change-Better risk assessments for policy and project preparation, scaling up of sustainable
agricultural intensification, and an understanding of the new opportunities present for smallholders to ensure an
equitable share in future carbon markets. Some technical examples are provided. This is a valuable read for
both the public and private sector and particularly policy makers.
http://www.ifad.org/pub/op/3.pdf
Con tac t : E lwyn Gra inge r - J one s (D i re c to r Env i ronmen t and C l ima te D iv i s io n , I FAD )
Info: e .gra inge r - jo ne s@ifad .o rg
FAO, IFAD and WFP. The State of Food Insecurity in the World
The multiple dimensions of food security. Rome, FAO. 2013.
This publication investigates the areas of hunger and undernourishment as a means of identifying the state of
food security. Set against the deadline for both the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the World
Food Summit goals, the publication explores the declining rates of hunger globally, exposing the unequal rates
of the decline within regions. It looks at Food security from four angles - availability access, utilization and
stability - and analyses the progress made in each area as well as the successes of a several countries in
improving their state of food and nutrition security. This is a useful resource for policy makers as well as
Governmental heads. It clearly reveals areas for development in achieving the goals of reducing hunger and
undernourishment and creating a more food secure world.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3434e/i3434e.pdf
Con tac t : [email protected] /[email protected]
I n te rne t : http://www.fao.org
4
July-Sep 2013
CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY
FAO Climate Change and Agriculture in Jamaica
R. Selvaraju. 2013.
The Caribbean region, like other small island developing states, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
This publication makes an in-depth analysis about the vulnerabilities of Jamaica’s agricultural sector to climate change and
provides a framework for adaptation and mitigation interventions. It suggests that while adverse effects of climate change
affect the entire agricultural sector small-scale and subsistence farmers are the most vulnerable and should be the target of
interventions to promote sustainability. A financial impact assessment on the effects of extreme climate events on the
agricultural sector is also discussed here. The publication notes that while farmers have begun using some methods to adapt
and mitigate the effects of climate change; these methods are too limited for prolonged sustainability. It can be a useful
reference for policy makers and governments seeking to implement programs aimed at climate change mitigation and
adaptation within the agricultural sector.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3417e/i3417e.pdf
Con tac t : Ramasamy Se lva ra ju
C l ima te , Ene rgy and Tenu re D iv i s io n (NRC ) , FAO
Rome , I ta ly
I n te rne t : http://www.fao.org