Cycle of Technical Exchanges of Experiences on Family Farming Registries Second Session: Design and implementation of Family Farming Registries

I.                 Introduction

In the framework of the United Nations Decade on Family Farming 2019-2018’s implementation, the topics related to the identification and characterization of this sector is a key element for making progress in strengthening family farming, as well as developing normative and institutional frameworks that enable support for this sector through differentiated actions.

As one of the main advances in the field, noteworthy progress can be observed in various regions through the development of regulatory frameworks, whether through plans, laws, or binding instruments, that position family farming at the center of an inclusive rural development agenda. In addition to that, several countries are implementing different institutional arrangements that enable the coordination of actions in support of family farming.

In this context, one of the most relevant tools are the Family Farming Registries, which can be understood as a support for the development of differentiated public policies targeted at this sector, by allowing  the recognition of family farming and their specific features, and connecting State work strategies in a manner that meets their specific needs appropriately.

Setting up a Family Farming Registry system is linked to several challenges that range from building political agreements to technological development and the implementation itself. However, there are currently different experiences that have enabled advancement in the development of Family Farming Registry systems and mechanisms, and that contribute to dialogue on the various dimensions involved in establishing, designing and implementing this tool.

Aiming to foster cooperation and the exchange of experiences, and aligned with the pillars of the Decade’s Global Action Plan, as well as the priorities outlined for Latin America and the Caribbean in the Santiago de Chile Charter, this dialogue space is proposed to share challenges encountered and lessons learned in the development of Family Farming Registries and their linkage with policies in support of the sector.

This activity is closely related to Pillar 1 of the United Nations Decade on Family Farming 2019-2018 Global Action Plan, which seeks to develop an enabling policy environment to strengthen family farming, emphasizing the relevance of appropriate public policies, institutional arrangements and governance that enable a comprehensive approach to the challenges faced by family farmers and their communities.

The event will be facilitated by the Regional Technical Platform for Family Farming, managed by the FAO regional office for Latin America and the Caribbean, jointly organized by the Specialized Meeting on Family Farming of MERCOSUR (REAF) and the Central American Agricultural Council, through its Executive Secretariat (SE-CAC/SICA).

II.                Design and implementation of family farming registries

The second session of this exchange cycle will focus on the design and implementation of registries for family farming, through the presentation of experiences from Brazil, Kenya and Jordan. Understanding the key elements to consider when implementing registries is crucial to ensure their effectiveness as instruments for the implementation of differentiated policies. A well-executed implementation allows for the visibility of the sector's relevance, the development of initiatives tailored to its needs, and the facilitation of multisectoral strategies to strengthen family farming.

The session will be guided by a set of guiding questions that aim to highlight relevant elements in the design and implementation of family farming registries, such as:

-         Implementation process stages

-        Tools used

-        Cost structure

-        Incentives

-        Validation processes

-        Challenges

The instance will provide an interactive space where participants will be able to gain in-depth knowledge through the first-hand experience of the speakers, as well as discuss the challenges, lessons and actions developed in their own contexts.

Session objectives:

-        Present the experiences of designing and implementing registries for family farming in countries from different regions of the world.

-        Identify the main necessary tools and elements to consider for the development of effective family farming registries.

-        Create an exchange space that allows for connecting diverse participants through dialogue about common elements and challenges in the development of registries for family farming.