This year, we have gone behind the scenes at food and agriculture conferences throughout the year to bring you exclusive expert interviews that dig deeper into the issues facing global food security and development. Here are our top picks of 2014:
1. Rose Akaki speaks out for female farmers
Rose Akaki, a farmer from Uganda, spoke to a captive audience at The Economist Feeding the World Summit in London in February, about the challenges women face, particularly in terms of land security.
For our full coverage of The Economist conference, read our summary blog.
2. President of IFAD explains why money matters for smallholders
Farming First TV also got a brand new look this year. We launched with an in-depth interview with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Kanayo Nwanze, who set out his views on financing for smallholder farmers.
Click here to explore the infographic Farming First produced in partnership with IFAD on Africa’s Agricultural Potential this year.
3. Ertharin Cousin outlines the World Food Programme’s new approach
The World Food Programme has shifted from providing food aid, to providing food assistance. Ertharin Cousin tells Farming First what this looks like on the ground, and how WFP is working closely with smallholder farmers to ensure countries can meet their food needs.
4. African Union Commissioner shares vision for 2014
2014 was designated the “Year of Agriculture and Food Security” by the African Union. Farming First TV caught up with Commissioner Rhoda Peace Tumusiime to find out how the AU intends to transform agriculture on the continent.
5. New IFPRI report on best technologies for food security explained
This year, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) launched a ground-breaking report, that analyses eleven technologies and their impact on food production and prices between now and 2050, under climate change conditions. The report, and accompanying online tool, allows policymakers to determine which technologies could have the best impact in their region. We interviewed Mark Rosegrant, lead author of the report to find out more.
To read more about this report, take a look at Mark’s expert blog for Farming First.
6. Concept of resilience takes hold
This year Farming First partnered with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on their 2020 conference “Building Resilience for Food Security and Nutrition”. But what do we mean by the term resilience – and how can this concept be useful for future food security? We interviewed Rajul Pandya-Lorch, head of the 2020 Vision Initiative to get behind the concept.
For more videos, expert blogs and an animated infographic series on resilience, visit our resilience hub on the Farming First website.
7. FARA turns 15
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) celebrated fifteen years of work this year. We interviewed Executive Director Yemi Akinbamijo on the importance of an Africa-led science agenda, and where he sees the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.
8. New report uncovers why smallholders adopt new practices
Bain & Company, in partnership with Accumen and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched a report in November, that analyses steps pioneer companies must take in order for smallholder farmers to adopt the new technologies and practices they are offering. We interviewed Chris Mitchell of Bain & Company to find out just what these steps are.
Find out more by reading Chris’ expert blog post for Farming First.
9. Soil health creeps up global agenda
On World Soil Day, Farming First interviewed Charlotte Hebebrand, Director General of the International Fertilizer Industry Association, on why soil health must be prioritised in the fight for food security.
To find out how Farming First members are contributing to healthier soils across the globe, read our latest content mash up “Talking Dirt – 15 Ways Soils are Getting Healthier”
10. Why do we need an International Year of Soils?
2015 will be the International Year of Soils, as declared by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation. Ronald Vargas of the Global Soil Partnership is spearheading this effort, and we caught up with him to find out why soil has been selected to take the spotlight in 2015.
Ronald also participated in the Farming First Twitter Chat “Healthy Soils for a Healthy Life” – check out the summary blog post to read the highlights of the chat and explore the resources that were shared.