The report is part of a series of background papers prepared within the context of the development of the the Near East and North Africa Region of the State of Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture (SOLAW) in the Near East and North Africa Region. The paper reflects on the status of soil degradation and fertility loss, the drivers that put pressure on soils and land in the region, the responses to address the pressing issues leveraging existing technical knowledge, as well as tools for assessment and monitoring.

In the vibrant discourse of urbanization and climate change, Sustainable Urban Agriculture: New Frontiers investigates emerging needs, rising challenges, and opportunities to support urban agriculture. Navigating the dynamic interplay of urbanization and environmental challenges, the book introduces two pivotal agendas for urban sustainability—the "green" agenda, focusing on environmental health, and the "brown" agenda, emphasizing human well-being and social justice. The book embraces a global perspective by confronting geographical biases and advocating for context-specific understanding and early interventions in small and medium cities. This transformative journey guides readers through uncharted territories, fostering profound awareness of urban agriculture's role in shaping a sustainable and resilient future in agriculture. Features Presents information on socio-ecological resilience, shaping a sustainable urban future Unveils practical implications, traversing frontiers where urban cultivation extends beyond crops, cultivating a thriving urban ecosystem Discusses diverse urban agriculture practices, from traditional methods to cutting-edge technologies Providing readers with an understanding of the multifaceted layers inherent in urban agriculture, this volume in the NextGen Agriculture: Novel Concepts and Innovative Strategies series is essential for academics, students, practitioners, and experts in urban agriculture and planning, horticulture, landscape architecture, and plant sciences.

Following up on previous reports prepared for the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and acknowledging FAO’s long tradition of technical work on the management of microorganisms and invertebrates in food and agriculture, the present paper responds to the need for a detailed assessment of the state of art in the conservation and sustainable use of soil microorganisms and invertebrates. It focuses on microorganisms and invertebrates contributing to nutrient cycling and the removal of contaminants from soils. The study is based on an extensive literature review and summarizes current views on the taxonomy, conservation, use and exchange of soil microorganisms and invertebrates, highlighting knowledge gaps, needs and challenges. In order to encompass the views of a wide range of stakeholders on knowledge gaps and critical issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of these organisms, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) circulated an invitation to complete an open online survey to several hundred researchers, institutions and organizations worldwide. Twenty-seven responses were received and evaluated. AIT also organized an online expert workshop entitled Status and Trends of Conservation of Soil Microorganisms and Invertebrates, with Emphasis on Bioremediation and Nutrient Cycling Organisms. Twenty-six international experts participated in three parallel sessions: (i) nutrient cycling in soil; (ii) bioremediation in food and agriculture systems; and (iii) conservation of microorganisms and invertebrates, practices, policies and needs. The issues raised in the survey responses and at the workshop were taken into account in the drafting of the study.

This report summarizes the main findings of a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) implemented by the FAO Office for the Near East and North Africa (NENA) and its Global Soil Partnership (GSP), focusing on the political, financial and infrastructural constraints that are common to the soil laboratories surveyed. Through this project, FAO opened the discussion on data quality and harmonization in the NENA region. The availability of reliable and harmonized soil data remains a challenge that affects decision-making at the national and field level, and the implementation of coordinated actions on the practice of sustainable soil management in the region. Recognizing this challenge, FAO and its GSP assessed the capacities and needs of 34 soil laboratories belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture in ten countries of the NENA region from October 2020 to April 2023. By generating data, laboratories play a role that influences the entire decision-making chain on soil management. The provision of support to soil laboratories indirectly supports farmers, extension services and policymakers, and strengthens national databases for country reporting on international agreements such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

This book focuses on soil and water conservation at global scale. It is a serious environmental problem that will threaten the socio-economic well-being of the majority of global population in future. The book examines the current situation of land degradation in multiple regions of the world and offers alternative approaches to solve the problems through sharing advanced technologies and lessons learned. It provides comprehensive assessment on characteristics, level and effect of degradation in different regions. It’s a highly informative reference both for researchers and graduate students.