Meg's update: World Food Day: 10-14-11

FAO's flagship publication, "The State of Food and Agriculture" was highlighted by Sharon Haylock as she addressed gender issues in agriculture and rural employment. The agriculture sector is underperforming in many developing countries, in part because women do not have equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to be more productive. The gender gap imposes real costs on society in terms of lost agricultural output, food security and economic growth. Promoting gender equality is not only good for women; it is good for agricultural development. Ms. Janaina Stronzake, from Landless Workers Movement, Brazil, a dynamic speaker, spoke of the millions fighting for ownership of their own land; agricultural reform basic to improved livilihood as companies control produce and markets. She stressed farmers must develop their own land technology, local methods of production, and ongoing education needed for women's empowerment. Diana Duarte, director of MADRE, work with international sister organizations, to ensure that farming initiatives and skills remain in rural communities; in this way solutions to problems are met through native practices.