Read at :
Earth Negotiations Bulletin <enb@iisd.org>
Linkages Update - Friday, 11 April 2008
http://www.iisd.ca/media/sustainable_devt2008.htm#neglecting
NEGLECTING AGRICULTURE MAY DRIVE 218 MILLION TO POVERTY – UNESCAP REPORT
On 27 March, Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath launched the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2008 in New Delhi, India. The Report emphasizes that continued neglect of agriculture in Asia and Pacific is estimated to be driving 218 million people to exacerbated poverty, while increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. According to Heyzer, the rising prices of food commodities reinforce the message of the report on the need to revitalize the agriculture sector, making it economically and socially viable, while contributing to poverty reduction efforts. The report further notes the need to implement land reforms, create opportunities for the poor or small producers to access markets and diversify their skills, and facilitate access to loans and insurance mechanisms.
Links to further information
UN News Centre, 27 March
ESCAP Press Release, Press Release No. G/11/2008
