African Swine Fever is spreading fast throughout Asia and has already affected several countries. Recent data from the field reveals outbreaks in Myanmar and now also the Philippines. More than 5 million pigs in Asia have died from the disease or been culled to counter its spread. Experts fear that that number will rise and warn of increased food insecurity in the region. FAO animal health expert Juan Lubroth takes stock of the situation.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas

Celebrating women humanitarians is the theme of this year’s World Humanitarian Day (August 19), a day to honor humanitarian efforts worldwide and to rally support for people affected by crises. One country with exceptionally high humanitarian needs is the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to UN figures, this year alone 12.8 million people in DRC will need humanitarian aid as a result of protracted conflict and violence, and the risk of cholera and Ebola. In this podcast, FAO’s Silvia Risi talks about her humanitarian work in DRC and what it means to be a woman humanitarian.

Host/Producer: Charlotta Lomas

Fighting hunger and all forms of malnutrition has been the mandate of José Graziano da Silva during his eight years as FAO Director General. As the UN agency enters a new leadership phase, we sit down with Mr Graziano da Silva to reflect on his time as Director General of FAO.

The number of hungry people worldwide continues to rise steadily according to the latest joint UN report The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019. FAO Senior Economist Cindy Holleman explains the trends and how it’s still possible to achieve Zero Hunger. 

Interview: Charlotta Lomas.

There are more than 70 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, which is the highest level in almost 70 years according to UNHCR figures. For World Refugee Day (20 June), we hear from expert Julius Jackson about how FAO responds to protracted crises and helps to support refugees.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is worth an estimated US$23 billion annually, but it’s wreaking havoc on marine resources and the environment. The Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), introduced in 2016, aims to tackle this global problem. It's the first binding international agreement that specifically targets illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. To date, 87 States are party to the treaty, with more to follow. To explain how the treaty works, we hear from Manuel Barange, director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Matthew Camilleri, senior fisheries officer at FAO.

What would a world without bees look like? For this year's World Bee Day (20th May) we talk to FAO’s Abram Bicksler about the importance of pollinators for ensuring the world's food security.

Producer/Host: Charlotta Lomas Sound technician: Eric Deleu

Lake Turkana is the largest desert salt lake in the world. Situated in Kenya’s northernmost region, the remote lake is rich in biodiversity and is a lifeline for the isolated communities whose economic opportunities there are few and far between. But a local entrepreneur, has come up with novel idea to turn fish skins that would otherwise be discarded – into profit. This Blue Growth initiative is being supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Producers: Anais Hotin, Charlotta Lomas, Annie Ho. Presenters: Anais Hotin. Photo ©FAO/Luis Tato

Educating children and young people about forests is critical to safeguarding the world's natural resources for future generations. For International Day of Forests (March 21, 2019), students at St George's British International School in Rome, share their views on why forests matter to them.

Students: Albi, Naomi, William, Gabriel, Henry, Abdu, Julian, Jada, Emma and Nicolo from St George's British International School in Rome.

Producer: Charlotta Lomas Sound technician: Eric Deleu Photo: ©FAO/Florita Botts

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide and to shine a light on persistent gender inequality. We still have a long way to go in closing the global gender gap, particularly when it comes to the agriculture sectors. Women represent 45 percent of the total agricultural labor force, yet fall short of having the same rights as men to economic and social opportunities. Tacko Ndiaye, FAO's Senior Gender Officer, explains.

Interview: Charlotta Lomas