65GIAHS sites from industrial development, which often
extract labour and cause market distortion as well.
Special attention should be given when introducing
modern agricultural varieties and inputs to avoid up-
setting the balance of traditional agro-ecosystems.
Success in sustainable agriculture development will
depend on the use of a variety of agro-ecological
improvements in addition to farm diversification,
favouring better use of local resources; emphasiz-
ing human capital enhancement; empowerment of
rural communities and family farmers through
training and participatory methods; as well as higher
access to equitable markets, credit and income-
generating activities, and all should be supported by
conducive policies.
References
Altieri, M. and Koohafkan, P. 2008. Enduring Farms: Climate
Change, Smallholders and Traditional Farming Communities.
Environment & Development. Series 6. Third World Network
(TWN), Penang, Malaysia. 63 pp.
FAO (2002). Conservation and adaptive management of globally
important agricultural heritage systems (GIAHS), Global
Environment Facility, Project Concept Note.
Koohafkan, P. and Altieri, M. 2010. Globally Important Agri-
cultural Heritage Systems: a legacy for the future.
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)
webpage http://www.fao.org/nr/giahs