All publications and documents

Based on the principles of sustainable development and in recognition of land’s centrality to development, these Guidelines are intended to contribute to global and national efforts towards the eradication of hunger and poverty by promoting secure tenure rights and equitable access to land, fisheries and forests. This technical guide on Governing land for women and men aims to assist…

The Arid and Semi-Arid lands (ASAL) constitute about 80% (467,200 sq. km) of Kenya’s total land mass and is grouped into geographical zones including the Savannah covering most of the North- eastern and South-eastern parts, the Coastal region, the North Rift Valley, the Highlands and the Lake Victoria Basin. The ASAL host about 35% of Kenyas population (13 million people) and over 60% of its…

Widespread views of drylands as unproductive wastelands have created barriers to their economic development. In fact, these regions are culturally and environmentally valuable areas with assets – such as pasture lands, drought-resistant plants, energy and mineral resources, and unique ecosystems – that can contribute significantly to overall national poverty reduction and development plans.…

The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2013 presents updated estimates of undernourishment and progress towards the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and World Food Summit (WFS) hunger targets. The latest assessment shows that further progress has been made towards the 2015 MDG target, which remains within reach for the developing regions as a whole, although marked differences across regions…

Until recently, the impacts of soil pollution on our health have had a much lower profile. Researchers are making good progress with developing our understanding of many soil-related issues, such as soil sealing, erosion and contamination, but the impacts of soil contamination on our health are not as well documented. This report aims to begin filling this gap in information for decision makers,…

The Nile River Basin’s rich ecological resources are vital to the 238 million people living in the region. The basin’s natural environment is the ultimate source of its economic activities (production and consumption) and the sink for disposing of all its waste. At the same time, the Nile Basin’s human resources are also crucial assets, providing the labour and markets for goods that drive the…