AsiaDHRRA Online

AsiaDHRRA joined two Seminars organized by the International Poverty Reduction Center of China (IPRCC). The first seminar on “Policies and Practices of Rural Poverty Reduction in China and ASEAN countries” was held in Wuhan City, Hubei Province last October 12-18, 2011. Twenty five (25) participants from 9 ASEAN countries and China. The second seminar on  [...]

Crossposting from PhilRice (they’re up again) this interesting news: Farmers can soon cut on fuel expenses as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) tests the efficiency of its developed biofuel on machines. The plan is an offshoot of a recent lecture by Dr. Rico O. Cruz, an expert on biofuel from Oregon, USA, who promoted [...]

The workshop on Agriculture and the Peasantry in ASEAN: Challenges and Way Forward (co-organized by Asiadhrra with API, SPI, SP, BINA DESA, AFA, APNFS, LRAN) will discuss the challenges facing agriculture and peasantry in the ASEAN Region in the context of food sovereignty and land reform. Download the Agriculture in ASEAN workshop program here…

Another interesting read from FAO about the role of small seed enterprises to secure food security. Thanks to Mr. Osaba of WRF for the share. The guide highlights successes from Brazil, India and Cote d’Ivoire, underscoring the importance of a favorable policy environment that promotes quality control and certification systems, private sector support, flexible legislation [...]

We are releasing another downloadable ebook for your reading pleasure, this time about the Implications of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) on the livelihood and welfare of small stakeholders in Philippine agriculture and industry This research on ATIGA was anchored by AsiaDHRRA for the Trade Advocacy Group (TAG) and was undertaken by Ms. [...]

This study is part of an initiative to strengthen social accountability mechanisms for food security and agricultural development. Specifically, the program aims to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to monitor and analyze public expenditure processes of IFIs, in particular, the ADB, and the national agencies focusing on agriculture. This paper will: Provide background information on [...]

As the year draws to a close, FarmFriday leaves you with this interesting bit from ScienceMag. Food for thought as another year is about to start. Happy New Year everyone and may we all have a peaceful, just and bountiful year ahead… Population growth, arable land and fresh water limits, and climate change have profound [...]

HungerWednesday enjoins you to read this interesting viewpoint from ScienceMag on measuring food security. Abstract Food security is a growing concern worldwide. More than 1 billion people are estimated to lack sufficient dietary energy availability, and at least twice that number suffer micronutrient deficiencies. Because indicators inform action, much current research focuses on improving food [...]

Here’s a toolset that would be very helpful to researchers everywhere.. The One World Trust, with support from the International Development Research Centre, has created an interactive, online database of tools to help organisations conducting policy relevant research become more accountable. The Trust has built the online accountability database to support researchers, campaigners and research [...]

Something to read and think over during your downtime… The Rural Poverty Report 2011 is a comprehensive resource for policymakers and practitioners, especially those in developing countries.  The report looks at who poor rural people are, what they do and how their livelihoods are changing.  It explores the challenges that make it so difficult for [...]

FarmFriday is here and glad to share this article to help you brush up on latest agri technologies in use and how they can be instrumental in attaining food security… Abstract Precision agriculture comprises a set of technologies that combines sensors, information systems, enhanced machinery, and informed management to optimize production by accounting for variability [...]

Hunger Wednesday shares FAOs Second Report on State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was published in 2010. The main objective is to update the First Report with the best data and information available, through [...]

FarmFriday shares this interesting article by Elizabeth Pennisi in ScienceMag about the scientific community’s efforts in creating “the ideal crop” and “developing new technologies for a better farming future” Substantial improvements are needed in current crops to achieve higher yields and sustainable farming. To achieve those gains, agricultural companies have turned to robotics and other [...]

Here’s an interesting read from the http://www.soilassociation.org asserting that those saying we need to double global food production by 2050 are basically using the wrong figures and interpretations. ‘Telling porkies: The big fat lie about doubling food production’, reveals that all those claiming we need to double global food production by 2050, or 50% by [...]

Here’s an interesting news about increasing yield of african rice varieties: New findings reported by the Africa Rice Center counter the widely held view that African rice, preferred by local consumers for its taste, is inherently lower yielding than Asian rice. They also confirm its remarkable adaptability to harsh growing conditions in Africa and hence [...]