Sudden and gradual land use changes can result in different socio-ecological systems, sometimes referred to as regime shifts. The Lao PDR (Laos) has been reported to show early signs of such regime shifts in land systems with potentially major socio-ecological implications. However, given the complex mosaic of different land systems, including shifting cultivation, such changes are not easily assessed using traditional land cover data. Moreover, regime shifts in land systems are difficult to simulate with traditional land cover modelling approaches.

The Thai government has ambitious plan to further promote the use of biodiesel. However, there has been insufficient consideration on the environmental effects of oil palm expansion in Thailand. This paper focuses on the effects of oil palm expansion on land use. We analysed the direct land use change (dLUC) and indirect land use change (iLUC) caused by the oil palm expansion and its effects on ecosystem services supply. Our analysis shows that between 2000 and 2009 dLUC related to oil palm expansion was more prevalent than iLUC.

Esta cartilla es una herramienta de comunicación y difusión de información que permite a los lectores comprender mejor la Agricultura Familiar (AF). A partir de esta información invitamos a reflexionar sobre cómo se puede construir participativamente propuestas de apoyo a esta forma de producción y también para mejorar las condiciones de vida y trabajo de los pequeños productores.

As the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries (MAFF) aimed to finalize in the end of 2016 the draft law on agricultural lands that is currently in 6th draft, MRLG, together with other partners, has supported the NGO Forum on Cambodia to mobilize representatives of farmer organizations and CSOs so that they could voice their concerns over the draft law directly to MAFF. In close cooperation with MAFF, a 2-day national consultation workshop was held on 19-20 December 2016 in Phnom Penh.

This short video examines an initiative by Earth Systems to develop a tea sector dialogue platform that brings together key stakeholders in the value chain to jointly examine challenges and opportunities for the development of a more equitable and sustainable tea sector in Laos. The video highlights the outcomes and lessons from a tea stakeholder workshop held in Phongsaly province, northern Laos, in July 2016.

Esta é a sétima edição da série “Desafios para Moçambique” do IESE, iniciada em 2010, com o objectivo de contribuir para a análise e debate público de desafios económicos, sociais e polí- ticos considerados relevantes. O livro contém 14 artigos, organizados em quatro partes: Política, Economia, Sociedade e Moçambique no Mundo. À semelhança da terceira edição (2012), na preparação da presente edição os coordenadores consideraram pertinente convidar os autores a relacionarem os seus artigos com uma temática principal.

Despite progressive provisions on gender equality in Tanzania’s land laws, women have little representation in land allocation decisions, including meetings of village councils and village assemblies. Mainstreaming gender in local regulations can help to address this problem.

Este programa foi elaborado em atendimento ao Acórdão do Tribunal de Contas da União (n° 1942/2015) que versa sobre Governança de Solos. A Embrapa e, em especial, a Embrapa Solos se articularam para montar um grupo de trabalho multi-institucional, que elaborou o programa a partir de workshops presenciais e a distância.

Cities and Urban Areas play a crucial role as engines of development as well as centers of connectivity, creativity, innovation, and as service hubs for the surrounding areas. Kenya has experienced unprecedented urban growth. At independence the urban population was about 8%. This had grown to be about 40% by 2015. It is projected that by year 2030 at least half of the Kenyan population will be urbanized. The rapid rate of urbanization exerts increased pressure on authorities to meet the needs of growing urban populations.

This paper is specifically about agricultural mechanisation: the opportunities provided by mechanisation for intensifying production in a sustainable manner, in value addition and agri-food value chain development, as well as the inherent opportunities implied for improved local economies and livelihoods. The establishment of viable business enterprises agro-processors, transport services, and so forth as a result of increased agricultural mechanisation in rural areas, is crucial to creating employment and income opportunities and, thereby, enhancing the demand for farm produce.

This report prepared by FAO explores the challenges and opportunities represented by the complex interrelationship between forests, agriculture and sustainable development. It demonstrates that the sustainable management of both forests and agriculture, and their integration in land-use plans, is essential for achieving the SDGs, ensuring food security and tackling climate change.