The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. We help developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all.

11 August 2008 - A strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza previously not recorded in sub-Saharan Africa has been detected in Nigeria for the first time. Nigeria has recently reported two new bird flu outbreaks in the states of Katsina and Kano.

8 August 2008 - Increasingly tough climatic conditions and limited rights to land and other basic resources risk jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of many indigenous groups that hold the key to our long term survival, FAO noted on the eve of the International Day for the World’s Indigenous People.

28 August 2008 - A month-long series of plantings is coming to an end in eastern Madagascar, aimed at ensuring that the local food supply – of rice especially – is sufficient to avoid importing large quantities at high prices to meet the country’s food needs this year.

31 July 2008 - As part of an urgent relief effort FAO’s Peru office has provided 36 800 doses of antiparasitic medicines, antibiotics and vitamins to poor farmers in highland Peru whose livestock are suffering as a result of a severe unseasonable cold spell.

3-5 June 2008Rome, Italy:: Press releases & more:: Video coverage:: Text & audio of speeches:: Audio news & interviews:: Daily wrap-ups:: Photo coverage:: Summit website

With food prices hitting record highs world wide, FAO is helping implement urgent measures to increase food production in the most affected countries. In Swaziland Input trade fairs enable poor farmers boost their crops.

4 August 2008 - In readiness for the new planting season, FAO has started distributing urgently-needed seeds and tools to Haiti’s most vulnerable farmers to help them cope with the rising cost of food, fuel and fertilizer.

3 September 2008 – After two years of preparation and negotiation FAO Members have adopted international guidelines aimed at limiting the impact of fishing on fragile deep sea fish species and habitats.

2 September 2008 - Mr Modibo Tiémoko Traoré, a former Minister for Rural Development with the Government of Mali,is FAO's new Assistant Director-General, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department.