Forest and farm producer organizations as key change agents
for climate-resilient landscapes and improved livelihood
WEBINAR SERIES
Webinar #1: Building strong advocacy agendas
Wednesday 24 September 2025
🕘 Time: 15.00–16.30 UTC +2
07.00–08.30
Guatemala | 08.00–09.30 Ecuador, Colombia | 09.00–10.30 Plurinational
State of Bolivia | 11.00–12.30 Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Togo |
13.00–14.30 Zambia | 14.00–15.30 Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar | 15.00–16.30 Italy | 16.45–18.15 Nepal | 18.00–19.30 Viet Nam
The webinar will take place via Zoom. Simultaneous interpretation will be available in Spanish, French and English.
Overview
The collective action of forest and farm producer organizations (FFPOs) can powerfully mobilize the voices of multitudes. By developing clear advocacy agendas and participating in multi-stakeholder processes, FFPOs can ensure that their members' interests are represented and integrated into subnational, national and global policies and that such policies produce tangible benefits, such as improved land rights, increased access to resources, and fair taxation. Strengthening of internal governance and the promotion of gender equality in FFPOs are also crucial for effective policy engagement.
This webinar will explore how FFPOs influence and shape national and subnational policies and legal frameworks to create more supportive environments for their members and sustainable land management. The focus will be on process and the importance of clear, member-approved advocacy agendas in FFPOs. Speakers will share their experiences in conducting needs assessments, consolidating members’ opinions, and formalizing advocacy priorities through inclusive processes.
The webinar series is part of a wider knowledge-sharing effort by the FFF and FAO’s Forestry Technical Network to amplify the voices of FFPOs, improve knowledge sharing, influence policy, attract funding and raise public awareness of the significant contributions of FFPOs.
Discussion points
- Shaping national policies and legal frameworks through robust advocacy efforts.
- Developing and gaining approval for FFPO advocacy agendas.
- Effective participation in national, subnational and cross-sectoral policy platforms and dialogues.
- Case studies of successful policy changes influencing land tenure, social protection, agroforestry, and taxation in favour of FFPOs.
- Integrating gender and youth perspectives into policy advocacy processes to ensure inclusive outcomes.
Programme
Sophie Grouwels Forestry Officer | Introduction to the webinar series and knowledge sharing activities |
Eric Chavez Betancourt Sustainable Development Expert | Moderator |
Panel presentations
Janak Acharya Program officer | From forests to policy: How FECOFUN shapes national decision-making in Nepal The Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN) has successfully advocated for the Constitutional Court to issue a stay order on legislation imposing taxes on Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) at the national, provincial, and local levels. This legal intervention enables CFUGs to retain a greater share of income generated from the sale of forest products, thereby strengthening local forest-based livelihoods. Through sustained policy engagement, FECOFUN also facilitated the repeal of the "Scientific Forest Management Procedure" and supported the adoption of the more inclusive and community-oriented Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Guideline. In addition, FECOFUN contributed to the development of over 100 local forest acts and supported the formal registration of forest enterprise groups at the municipal level. The organization has also successfully lobbied for bans on single-use plastics and continues to advocate for equitable access to carbon finance, ensuring that forest-dependent communities receive a fair share of climate-related benefits. |
Fidy Harijaona Executive Secretary | From grassroots to governance: TTM's impact on Malagasy land tenure policy The organization Tranobenny Tantsaha Mpamokatra (TTM) has significantly influenced policy changes in Madagascar, particularly in land tenure. TTM, alongside FIFATA, led efforts to reform national land tenure policies, reducing the required land development proof from 15 to 5 years for small producers to obtain legal certification. Additionally, TTM was involved in developing a Draft Law on Access and Benefit Sharing from Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge and updating the legal framework for Industrial Property. TTM also successfully advocated for changes in freeway routes to protect forest areas. |
Mark Kebo Secretary Ghana Federation | Policy wins: How GhaFFaP is advancing land tenure, renewable energy and social protection in Ghana The Ghana Federation of Forest and Farm Producers (GhaFFaP) has significantly shaped Ghana's policy landscape, promoting sustainable practices and community rights. Key achievements include influencing national renewable energy policy through advocating for grass charcoal and advancing tree-tenure reforms for cocoa farmers. GhaFFaP has also secured land access for women from traditional leaders and expanded their members' access to social protection programmes. Additionally, they've facilitated local by-laws to protect vital tree species (shea and baobab), empowering women-led enterprises and strengthening sustainable land management across Ghana. |
Nestor Vera Villanueva Association of Ecological Producers’ Organizations of Bolivia (AOPEB) | Voices from the Amazon: How improved governance has benefited a nationwide association of agroecological producers in Bolivia The Association of Ecological Producers' Organizations of Bolivia (AOPEB) has played a key role in shaping the national agenda for strengthening family farming, agroecological and non-timber forest production. The organization has focused on promoting legal reforms that support ecological agriculture and the sustainable use of non-timber forest products. AOPEB also contributed to the development of the broader National Strategy for Family Farming, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural development. Together with its 70 member organizations, AOPEB reformulated, disseminated, and formally presented the National Ecological Production Program (PNPE) to the Ministry of Rural Development and Land (MDRyT). The PNPE aims to enhance the production, competitiveness, and sustainable consumption of organic agricultural products. It includes provisions to improve access to certification processes and strengthen market positioning for ecological producers. |
| Duncan MacQueen Director of Forestry International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) | Q&A Closing remarks |