I find FAO's mission to accelerate the transformation of the Agrifood system to align with the global agenda of 2030 is commendable and essential. Achieving efficiency, inclusivity, resilience and sustainability in agriculture is not just a global goal; is a necessity for our planet's future. CSOs can play a pivotal role in this transformation and here are my personal thoughts on how they can contribute;
Civil Society Organisations as the catalyst for change have a unique position in society to bridge the gap between farmers and policy makers. Their grassroots presence allows them to identify the most pressing issues faced by farmers and marginalised small-scale farmers on the ground. By being actively involved with these groups, CSOs can ensure that agrifood transformations are not only efficient but also inclusive, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
Concrete action for impact on the ground;
1. Empowering through free-interest loans; CSOs can empower farmers through zero-interest loans to improve productivity. For instance, they can use already formed farmer's groups or form new farmers' groups which will be registered with local government authorities. These groups will be easy to administer and make intensive follow up.
2. Promotion of sustainable farming practices; encouraging the use of cover crops to enhance soil health is a simple yet effective example of promoting sustainable agriculture. Cover crops not only reduce the need for chemical fertilizer but also mitigate soil erosion.
3. Building resilience farming practices; CSOs can promote preparation for and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. This might involve providing guidance on crop diversification or assisting in the development of an early warning system for weather-related disasters.
4. Home gardening; encouraging home gardening can significantly contribute to food security at the household level. CSOs can provide starter kits for families to grow fruits and vegetables for household consumption.
5. Community engagement; engaging with local communities is the key. CSOs in collaboration with extension officers can facilitate the formation of farmer's groups to promote knowledge sharing and collective decision making. This could lead to the establishment of cooperatives that enhance access to markets for smallholder farmers.
6. Advocacy for policy change; By advocating for policy reforms that improve access to resources and reduce the financial burden on farmers, CSOs can create a conducive environment for sustainable agriculture. For example, pushing for reduced taxes on essential farming equipment can significantly impact smallholder farmers.
In summary, CSOs have a pivotal role to play in FAO's mission of agrifood system transformation. Their actions on the ground such as free-interest loan provision, education, policy advocacy and community engagement can drive meaningful change towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. By working together we can make substantial progress towards achieving the 2030 agenda and securing a better future for all.
CSO-Facilitated Formation of Small-Scale Farmer Groups
Approach: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can facilitate the establishment of small-scale farmer groups.
Methodology: CSOs can initiate this process by conducting comprehensive surveys to gather data on all farmers engaged in cereal or horticultural crop farming within a specific administrative region, often referred to as a ward. Subsequently, with the assistance of agricultural extension officers, CSOs can encourage these farmers to create cohesive groups comprising no fewer than five individuals who share a common crop type. Following the formation of these groups, CSOs can provide them with specialized training and access to appropriate farming tools, thus equipping them to engage in climate smart agriculture practices.
Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Approach: CSOs can promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Implementation: CSOs can work in collaboration with local agricultural extension officers to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices among farmers. Specifically, they can play a role in advocating for the utilization of cover crops as a means to improve soil health and reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers.
Advocacy for Agricultural Policy Reform
Approach: CSOs should engage in advocacy efforts aimed at influencing agricultural policy reform.
Methodology: CSOs can establish dialogue and partnerships with government agencies responsible for agricultural policy formulation. Through these channels, CSOs can offer expert advice and recommendations regarding necessary amendments to policies related to the accessibility and distribution of agricultural tools. A primary focus of their advocacy should include urging the government to consider reducing the cost of high-quality seeds and revising tax and tariff structures to make farming equipment, such as ploughs, tractors, and irrigation tools, more affordable for farmers.
Promotion of Climate-Resilient Farming Practices
Approach: CSOs can actively promote climate-resilient farming practices.
Execution: In regions susceptible to frequent and unpredictable climate variations, particularly areas afflicted by recurring droughts, CSOs can provide guidance to farmers on cultivating drought-tolerant crops. Crops such as millet, cassava, and sunflowers can be recommended for their ability to withstand adverse weather conditions and contribute to enhanced resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Encouraging Home Gardening Initiatives
Approach: Encouraging individuals to establish home gardens for sustainable food production.
Implementation: CSOs can advocate for and support the creation of home gardens focused on the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. This advocacy should be coupled with the reduction or elimination of ornamental flower gardens. The aim is to emphasize the importance of home gardening as a means of enhancing food security and sustainable food production at the household level.
Mr. Joseph Ndulani