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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC. UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, April 2009. The study examines the environmental, economic and social challenges that are the roots of the Asia Pacific region’s food insecurity and suggests a regional framework of action to be taken by governments and the international community in order to create greater food security. In the short term, governments need to develop and strengthen social protection programmes amd to improve the availability of food at the national and local levels. In the medium term, it is critical to support the revitalisation of small-scale sustainable food production. Predictions concerning food production vary. However, even if overall production were to remain high, declines in certain parts of the Asia-Pacific region may be expected. Over the long term, adapting and mitigating impacts from climate change will have to be a top priority for all countries in the region. To download the report, click here http://unescap.org/65/documents/Theme-Study/st-escap-2535.pdf.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN TEXTILE AND APPAREL INPUTS: POTENTIAL FOR COMPETITIVE PRODUCTION. US International Trade Commission, May 2009. Sub-Saharan African countries have the greatest potential to be competitive in the production of cotton yarn, fabric, and other textile and apparel inputs, but they face numerous challenges, this report concludes. Cotton is the primary fibre currently used in the production of yarn and fabric in the subject countries, and it is grown in large quantities in the region. SSA countries also have the potential to competitively produce certain niche textile items, the authors found. As a whole, SSA countries have an insufficient apparel base through which to develop and sustain upstream production in yarn, fabric, and other inputs. SSA countries also face severe challenges with their infrastructure, such as inadequate power and water supplies, and inadequate transportation networks. These infrastructure challenges not only raise the cost of existing production, but also deter significant new investment in the capital-intensive textile industry. To download the report, please visit http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4078.pdf
IISD-GSI: CALL FOR PROPOSALS EXAMINING THE REFORM OF FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and its Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) are commissioning three case studies to examine cases of fossil-fuel subsidy reform in developing countries. The studies, undertaken by in-country researchers, would focus on the experience of reform and the lessons learnt from the process. The cases do not necessarily need to be limited to examples of successful reform. Initially, only 1 to 2 page proposals outlining the case study to be examined are being requested. Deadline for proposals is June 5th 2009. For more information on the Terms of Reference for the study please contact Chris Charles at the following email address: ccharles@iisd.org. To download the full project outline, please click here.
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