Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

      1. Partnering for implementation

      Once we are in a semi-arid region, SSF is highly demanded, especially when food security and budget increase of small producers are involved. Not only for my institution, but for ours partners as well as the community involved.  

      We believe that gathering the results so far achieved and through a media effort to show it around as well, is what needs to be done to include the ‘voices of the marginalized. Once this first process is done, a network can be build up in order to submit research and extensions projects.

      A team involved in the cause is the key success to ensure effective and efficient partnership. Although a realistic budget, is essential for a project to achieve its goal.

      1. Information and communication – promoting experience sharing and collaboration

      At local level, it is of extremely importance that all stakeholders involved at the SSF chain are in a very clear communication process. Producers must understand what researchers want to achieve, as well as researchers must understand producer’s needs. From this level on, the process is easier once meetings and workshops work very well in the communication process where experiences and needs are exchange among different groups involved. Articles published are also a great and essential communication tool.

      My experience is at local and national level, where research and extension projects were involved. In my organization´s point of view, there is no better tool to monitor and evaluate a project other than be in the field with as many stakeholders as can be involved in the productive chain. Once all together, it is possible to listen, talk, and analyze problems. Also highlight the points of success.

      Strategies to measure SSF Guidelines must be settled locally, in my point of view. It can change from on situation to other. The classical way to report is through documents and articles published.

      1. Challenges and opportunities – needs for support and interventions

      Federal government has been investing a lot of efforts and financial support to eradicate poverty. Even though it seems that there is a need of understanding in a deeper level, the importance of SSF in order to maintain small producers living in the country side of the country states, instead of migrating to bigger cities. This is  an example of an important challenge to be overcome. But, in the other side there is a huge problem involving the SSF producers, once they have a cultural dependence from the government for any purpose and/or reason.

      I have experienced it in couple projects. It is always a great opportunity to be with all stakeholders in the field (SSF). Make producers continue on their own is a challenge! We have not yet settled a strategy to decrease this bottleneck.