This open access book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender. These crops and their value chains have long been neglected by research and development, hence this book contributes to filling in the gap. The book features many outcomes of the CGIAR Research Program in Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB), which operated from 2012-21, encompassing many tropical countries, academic and industry partners, multiple crops, and major initiatives. It describes the successful innovation model developed by RTB that brings together diverse partners and organizations, to create value for the end users and to generate positive economic and social outcomes. RTB has accelerated the scaling of innovations to reach many end users cost effectively. Though most of the book's examples and insights are from Africa, they can be applied worldwide. The book will be useful for decision makers designing policies to scale up agricultural solutions, for researchers and extension specialists seeking practical ideas, and for scholars of innovation.

Sustainable Engineering: Concepts and Practices provides insights into current perspectives on sustainable engineering research. It highlights the drivers, motivations, and challenges affecting the development and adoption of sustainable engineering in various sectors of the economy and how they impact sustainable development. Contributions from researchers representing multiple branches of engineering in academia, government laboratories, and industry present alternative approaches to traditional engineering practices. These approaches effect change, making the design, construction, production, and management of products, processes, and systems more environmentally friendly, socially beneficial, and economically profitable. The book will be a trusted reference for graduate students, practicing engineers, and other professionals interested in developing or using sustainable products and systems. Provides insights into current perspectives on sustainable engineering research and practices; Offers in-depth coverage of Industry 4.0, the circular economy, and lifecycle sustainability assessment (LCSA); Looks at the current state of education in sustainable engineering.

Sustainable Cassava: Production, Processing, Trade, Consumption and Waste Management Strategies presents viable approaches to promote sustainability in this globally important crop, enabling future generations to benefit. Providing key insights to enhance production while limiting environmental impact, this book provides readers with foundational understanding of growing and utilizing Cassava. Cassava (Manihot Mill. species Euphorbiaceae) is a staple crop in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with diverse food and non-food value. It is a principal energy source but may be fortified to provide improved nutritional status for consumers as well as for the production of value-added products. With the growing human population, there is a need to increase global production and efficiency in trade, diversify and ensure safe consumption, maximize utilization of all cassava processing wastes, and add value to the cassava production chain through sustainable practices Presented in three parts, the first addresses cassava diversity and distribution, sustainable production and cultivation practices, and root processing innovations of the crop. Cassava trade policies and economic value chains, food safety and use of cassava, and agro-industrial cassava products are addressed in the second part. The third part focuses on bioeconomy aspects, cassava waste quality assessment, toxicology, sanitary practices, environmental risk assessment as well as sustainable management strategies for cassava waste using biotechnological and industrial advances. Addressing the need for a unified and standardized approach for the trade, management, and utilization of cassava genetic resources, finished products, and cassava processing wastes, the book also explores policy and governance structure for addressing environmental and economic issues emanating from their use. In the lens of globalization, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable development, the contents of this book will promote the adoption of novel and advanced practices in cassava cultivation and production, harvest, use, and waste recovery or reduction and contribute to global cooling efforts. - Presents best practices and ideas from around the world, including technological advances for Cassava production and use - Focuses on sustainability throughout the lifecycle - Provides insights translatable to other tuber crops for further enhanced sustainable food security

Agro-industries are an important source of employment and income generation worldwide, occupying a dominant position in the manufacturing sector of the economy and representing a significant demand driver for agricultural products. As part of its mandate to provide food security for the world s growing population, FAO promotes the development of agro-industries through its technical programs, including activities in the areas of policy advice, capacity building, advocacy, awareness raising and investment promotion. This book represents a contribution of FAO to broaden the understanding of approaches and mechanisms to foster the emergence and sustainability of agro-industries that are competitive and inclusive. With emphasis on experiences from the developing world, the book presents and discusses innovative policies and institutions that are supportive of agro-industries development."