The future of agriculture in the world

"World Agriculture: towards 2015/2030" is the title of the report recently published by FAO that studies the state of agriculture in the world as it is likely to be in the future while giving an insight on the world's food supplies and nutrition.

The most important finding of this study, prepared by most of the technical units present at FAO and other specialists outside FAO, lies in the prediction that the uneven pattern of progress related to meeting food security of a constantly growing population is, unfortunately, likely to continue its negative trend over the next three decades.

According to the publication, if no corrective measures will be taken to shift this trend, "the goal of the 1996 World Food Summit- to halve the number of chronically undernourished people by no later than 2015 - is unlikely to be accomplished, even though this would be highly desirable." Hundreds of millions of people in developing countries will remain chronically hungry. However, the study shows how the world's population will be better fed by 2030.

Regarding sustainable development, the report also assesses the most recent evaluation of data related to the developing countries' agricultural resources, including the intensity of use and the availability of these resources to meet population's future food needs.

In addition, the publication also studies how technology can help implement more sustainable development, especially in the agricultural area by using techniques such as integrated pest and nutrient management, conservation agriculture and organic agriculture.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the report please click here.