Food Security in Africa

Transcription

1 Food Security in Africa

2 Preface ix Acknowledgements x Introduction 1 The premise of the book 1 The contents summarized 2 1 Defining the Food Security Problem Introduction The core concept Basic terms and meanings Concept pictures The increase of agricultural production Achievement of sustainable landscape stability The learning process approach, 15 2 Evaluating the Resources of Small-scale and Subsistence Farmers Introduction Small-scale and subsistence farmers' households Population pressures Land use in AFR and SAS AFR SAS Population density 30 3 Alternative Approaches Examined Relevant to participatory learning and action (PLA) The acceptance of PLA Setting standards for participation Root definitions and conceptual models regarding a 38 blueprint and a learning process approach 3.2 Relevant to ideal type models and 'real world' problem situa- 40 tions The conflict The combined approach 42 4 The Need for a Participatory Approach Introduction The process General The methodology followed 45 v

3 4.3 Relevant to agricultural production The potential to increase agricultural productivity Setting standards for participation Root definition and conceptual model Relevant to landscape stability The potential to achieve a stable landscape Factors influencing sustainable soil patterns Root definition and conceptual model 69 5 Researching the Situation to Define Strategies Introduction Finding out what changes are needed Research questions The questionnaire suggested for the research The activities to be carried out to implement changes Introduction Activities The monitoring system Introduction The fundamental strategic steps Indicators General The subjectivity of indicators Type of indicators Methods used to collect and register To monitor the stability of the landscape To monitor agricultural productivity Control action 92 6 Challenges Presented by Natural and Man-made Factors Introduction Trends of ecosystems Natural and spatial variability Resilience and resistance State factors and interactive controls Trends of population growth and density Population growth Population densities Trends of agricultural production and food security Expand the cultivated area 100 vi

4 6.4.2 The intensity of land use The increase of yield The impact of internal political instability The Competition for Resources for Food Production The question of producing crops for food or bio-fuel Competition between crops for food and energy Market disturbance Crops for the production of ethanol The potential to achieve objectives The World Food Summit The effects of human activities - some examples Independent control variables and agricultural produc- 132 tion 8 Monitoring Intervention Strategies in Different Farming Systems Introduction Definitions described Farm system Farming system Sub-Saharan Africa Characteristics of the region Fanning systems in AFR A closer look at a selection of farming systems in AFR South Asia Characteristics of the region Farming systems in SAS A closer look at a selection of farming systems in SAS Small-scale and Subsistence Farmers' Households and Selected 177 Farming Systems 9.1 Typical households Some households in Sub-Saharan Africa (AFR) Some households in South Asia (SAS) Strategic priorities Sub-Saharan Africa South Asia Liaison of International, National and Local Agencies Conclusion 10.1 Introduction Tensions 186 vii

5 Cultural environment and participation Communication Higher education Terms of trade The physical infrastructure Work together Introduction The process of action Conclusion Global problems affecting food security Summary of main points Final paragraph 195 List of tables 197 List of figures 201 Abbreviations, Acronyms and Organizations 203 Glossary 205 Bibliography 211 Appendices 217 Index 231 viii Food Security in Africa and Asia: Strategies for Small-scale Agricultural Develop-