Sustainable Societies

Agriculture

While globally the production of food is increasing and prices are decreasing, in some poor regions and communities the exact opposite is occurring. Less advantaged groups, often located in rural areas (75% of the poor worldwide) must cope with international economic changes, increasing market competition and severe natural resource degradation. As trade barriers are reduced, smaller producers face increasing competition from industrialized producers without their former support services and subsidies. This crisis of the rural poor requires a solution that alleviates poverty and achieves food security while ensuring the sustainable use and management of natural resources.