Annual report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to Food, Olivier de Schutter

This annual report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier de Schutter was submitted to the UN Human right Council. It is based on expert submissions from all the regions of the world, and an expert seminar that took place on 21-22 June 2010, with support from the King Baudoin Foundation. According to the report, yields from existing agroecological experiences have increased by 80% in 57 developing countries, and 116% in African countries. The report affirms that small-scale producers could double their production in 10 years by using eco-farming practices. The document also finds that in order to fight malnutrition effectively, agriculture should not only address the challenge of the increasing needs of a growing population, but also mitigate its impacts on ecosystems and the climate, and contribute to poverty alleviation. Agroecology can enable local communities to develop and enhance climate change adaptation by making land more resilient to drought or flooding events. It can also contribute to CO2 emission reductions by enhancing carbon stocks into soils. Agroecology projects are expanding in developing countries as well as developed countries. Yet, according to the report, eco-farming does not receive sufficient support and projects are limited to the demonstration phase. As such, Olivier de Schutter calls on States to start integrating agroecology in their development strategies to address the food, poverty and climate challenges.

UN General Assembly, Human Rights Council - March 2011