The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations declared 2013 as the International Year of the Quinoa, a high-protein, grain-like crop from the Andes. Whether consumers of quinoa around the world associate this crop with Peru, a major producer of quinoa, is debatable. Nevertheless, quinoa’s widespread popularity is helping the Peruvian government expand its international presence via culinary diplomacy.

The percentage of women in charge of agricultural-and-livestock productions in recent years in Latin America increased, although in smaller areas of land, soil of lesser quality and less access to credits and other facilities, the FAO reported today. In a communique released here, the UN Regional Office for Food and Agriculture said women also have less access to technical assistance and training.

Heads of State and Government of African Union Member States, together with representatives of international organizations, civil society organizations, private sector, cooperatives, farmers, youths, academia and other partners have unanimously adopted a Declaration to end hunger in Africa by 2025.