Farmers' movement is growing, the funding stays behind
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
In her activity report over 2009, Agriterra concludes that the farmers' movement worldwide is expanding: in Africa there are plans to found a pan-African organisation; within world farmers' organisation IFAP farmers' organisations from developing countries gain influence and there is an increase in the awareness amongst world leaders of the importance of farmers and their organisations. Lagging behind is the funding needed to respond to the growing needs of farmers' organisations. This should be considered a most bizarre situation, taking into account the fact that world leaders during last year's G8 summit pledged to invest 15 billion Euros in to agriculture in developing countries. Moreover, the "Farmers Fighting Poverty" programme produces real results. In 2009, 187 farmers' organisations from 61 countries have been enabled to carry out 389 projects in total. A spectacular 2.4 million farmers were involved in these projects, of which 38% were women.
Agriterra and the AgriCord alliance, which Agriterra also belongs to, have spent in 2009 some 33 million Euros to the reinforcement of farmers' organisations. This does bear its fruits. With the support of Agriterra for example the Burkinese organisation FEPA/B has been able to present itself in a way that they have now signed a contract with the World Food Programme (WFP). The members of FEPA/B are now the official suppliers of 200 tonnes of peas and sorghum for the WFP's Purchase for Progress programme. Women participating in the micro projects are able to serve their families three meals every day, enroll their kids in school and even collect some savings. Members of the 38 coffee cooperatives in Nicaragua are getting a 20% higher price for their produce and the production has increased with 25% since the project has started. This is only a small selection of the results that were achieved in 2009.
Additionally, we see an enormous increase in membership - as much as 9% on a global scale. Especially in Africa farmers' organisations have grown: approximately half a million farmers have become a member in 2009. The larger part of the funds was invested in Africa.Â
Even more than in previous years Agriterra aimed at supporting farmers on grass-roots level. Despite the fact that more funds were spent on local projects than in 2008, this was not as much as we planned.
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Farmers Fighting Poverty contributes to the eradication of hunger and poverty in developing countries, but a lot of work remains to be done. Still, many small farmers live in poverty. Their organisations need support before they can function independently. In the years to come, Agriterra will put a stronger emphasize on entrepreneurship and economic activities of farmers and cooperatives, and more often offer direct support to farmers. We will continue to do this by supporting farmers' organisations directly, without any additional party between those who donate and the target group.  Â
Please visit http://www.agriterra.org/activityreport2009/ to read the complete report.
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