Agriculture key to conflict prevention, says FAO chief



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Paris, July 5 (IANS / AKI) Agriculture plays a vital role in warning and conflict lasting peace, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization chief Jose Graziano da Silva said on Thursday, stressing how warfare worsens global hunger.

"Hunger and peace are strongly linked to local food systems," he said in a keynote address at a meeting here on agriculture, defense, diplomacy and development.

"They contribute to the world of hunger in the world," Graziano da Silva told the forum organized by the French Foreign Ministry and the 52-member international agri-food group Demeter Club.

"But we must keep hope

"Even in areas worst hit by violence, farmers, herders and fishers continues to produce food," he said.

Almost half of the population of violence-hit countries lives in rural areas, where livelihoods largely depend on agriculture, according to FAO.

Hunger is on the rise and is one of the most important factors in the world. FAO-led reports, the State of the World Food Security and Nutrition (2017) and the Global Report on Food Crises (2018).

Citing the example of South Sudan, which he visited last year, Graziano da Silva said, "The resilience of farmers in the most adverse circumstances.

"Once local food systems ar he is more difficult to rebuild, "he warned, urging humanitarian organizations and those in the development sector to strive for peace through stronger

" Humanitarian action, while fundamental, is not enough, "he said. "It does not stop this trend of worsening food crises."

Building increased resilience among rural populations and offering "legitimate livelihood options" especially to young people is crucial to prevent their enlistment in armed groups or migration, Graziano Da Silva contended

"The employment of young people and women is a crucial element of FAO's efforts to combat hunger in conflict contexts," he underlined.

In Niger , France's support to FAO and the World Food Program in the agricultural industry, staunching the flow of people leaving their land, he said.

"If agricultural activities are Not supported, more and more farmers, shepherds and fishermen will find a potential migrant. "

– IANS / AKI

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