How farm research is helping feed the world
Agricultural scientists have provided many solutions to hunger, such as higher-yield staple food varieties, but new challenges are arising
World has little stomach to take on Congo vote row
There is a widespread belief among Congolese that the outside world helped rig the outcome of the election
Congo polls "seriously flawed" - US envoy
The elections are the first Congolese-organised polls since the end of a devastating war in 2003
Closing gender gap seen key in food security fight
Given help, smallholder farmers - many of them women - can also be "very effective as custodians of the environment", says UN official
Poor losing out from large land deals - study
Rural poor, especially women, deprived of access to land and resources due to weak governance and land rights
UN warns conflict may worsen Somalia famine, needs $1.5bn
Somalia request is part of global humanitarian appeal for $7.7 billion to help 51 million people in 16 countries next year
No stopping big hydro projects, despite Lao veto
But last week's decision to delay Mekong dam could increase focus on minimising environmental and social costs of new hydro schemes
Carrying the torch: towards the extinction of landmines
Meeting rooms and conference halls are not usually the places where emotions run free. Official etiquettes dictate that feelings must be reigned in whether for mannerism or other hidden agendas.