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The Role of Family Farming in the Sustainable Development of Agriculture Sector and Poverty Reduction
Friday, 30 January, 2015

Family Farming is the predominant form of agriculture. It represents the main source of income in rural areas and produces the majority of agricultural products in Georgia.

Family Farms produce food that feeds billions of people. According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in many developing countries Family Farms represent up to 80 percent of all farm holdings. Local and global food security depends on them. Both in developing and developed countries, Family Farming is the predominant form of agriculture. Family Farming represents the main source of income in rural areas and produces the majority of agricultural products in Georgia.

In this study, the role of family farming was assessed with regard to three dimensions (economic, environmental and social) of sustainable development. Literature review, SWOT analysis, individual interviews with stakeholders, and case studies were conducted in order to define the role of Family Farming in the sustainable development of Georgian agriculture. In order to evaluate the economic sustainability of Family Farming, this study looked at the role of Family Farms in food security and poverty elimination, as well as at the productivity and competitiveness of Family Farms. From an environmental point of view, the role of Family Farms was assessed with regards to biodiversity, soil health, pollution, and climate change-related issues. As to social aspects, the study assessed the importance of the image of agriculture and farmers' attitudes towards it.

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