At the Farmers’ Forum (FAFO) organized by IFAD, PAFO made a strong commitment to African farmers. From its well-stocked stand, to its side event, to its decisive meetings, PAFO forged a significant path, leaving an important mark on this meeting of farmers’ leaders.
Located at the heart of the forum, the PAFO stand was much more than just a showcase. It served as a central information point, highlighting PAFO’s mission, initiatives and ongoing projects dedicated to empowering farmers, building capacity, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and showcasing the continent’s agricultural products. Beyond the exhibition, the stand became a dynamic networking place, where farmers, stakeholders and like-minded organizations merged their ideas and aspirations.
PAFO also organized a side event on the theme of “Strengthening the capacities of farmers’ organizations to support the transformation and resilience of sustainable food systems”.
Furthermore, PAFO organised a side event on the theme of “Strengthening the capacities of farmers’ organisations to support the transformation and resilience of sustainable food systems”. The event provided a dynamic platform for in-depth discussions aimed at strengthening the capacities of farmers’ organisations and PAFO’s commitment to the transformation and resilience of sustainable food systems, thereby reinforcing its influence in this crucial area.
The FO4 evaluation workshop was another highlight of the FAFO, providing a platform for farmers’ organizations implementing the FO4 program to review progress, identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for the future. The ideas and experiences of FOs from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific helped to strengthen collective efforts, thereby consolidating the impact of farmers’ organizations on a global scale.
PAFO’s active participation in the Farmers’ Forum was particularly noteworthy, thanks to its key role in advocating for the rights and interests of African farmers.
Throughout the event, PAFO made its voice heard, vigorously defending the concerns and aspirations of peasants on the international stage. The organization used a variety of platforms, including interventions in the main discussions and public statements, to raise awareness of the challenges facing farmers and promote sustainable solutions.
PAFO President, and member of the Farmers’ Forum Steering Committee, Mr. Coulibaly, delivered the deliberations of FAFO at IFAD’s 24th Governing Council meeting. Mr. Coulibaly shared the key perspectives and concerns that emerged from the Farmers’ Forum, demonstrating the strong commitment of farmers to influencing policy and actively contributing to global discussions on agricultural development. These dynamic exchanges strengthen the collective voice of farmers and highlight the indispensable role of farmers’ organizations in shaping the future of sustainable food systems worldwide.
The President of PAFO, and member of the Farmers’ Forum Steering Committee, Mr. Coulibaly, delivered the Deliberations of FAFO at IFAD’s 24th Governing Council meeting. Mr. Coulibaly shared the key perspectives and concerns that emerged from the Farmers’ Forum, demonstrating the strong commitment of farmers to influencing policy and actively contributing to global discussions on agricultural development. These dynamic exchanges strengthen the collective voice of farmers and highlight the indispensable role of farmers’ organizations in shaping the future of sustainable food systems worldwide.
Mrs. Elisabeth Nsimadala, EAFF President and PAFO board member, participated in the panel event on “Women’s Land Rights for a Food-Secure Future,” organized by the International Land Coalition. She emphasized the critical importance of secure land rights for women and youth as a crucial step towards addressing challenges related to climate change and revolutionizing global food systems. Mrs. Nsimadala presented EAFF’s strategic plan, focusing on mobilizing, connecting, and influencing stakeholders in land governance, with a specific emphasis on supporting family farmers. The objective is to promote people-centered land governance by actively including women and youth in the decision-making process.
During the conference, Ms Nsimadala highlighted a crucial problem in Africa’s agricultural sector: the lack of substantial investment by both governments and the private sector. Despite the existence of policies, the low level of investment and commitment has left the agricultural sector and farmers vulnerable to a variety of challenges. She emphasized the importance of addressing three key areas in supporting the sector: ensuring access to financial resources, addressing climate change concerns and building the internal capacity of farmers’ organizations. These priorities, she stressed, are essential to fostering resilience and sustainability in the agricultural landscape.
She also shared perspectives with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), MR. Alvaro Lario, at the Special Press Conference of the 24th Meeting of the IFAD Board of Governors, highlighting the challenges of Food Systems and ensuring a sustainable future for food.
PAFO delegation’s participation in the Farmers’ Forum proved to be a dynamic narrative, where every act contributed to confirming the central role of FOs and particularly that of PAFO, which remains a driving force, placing farmers at the heart of global debates and actively influencing policies for a more promising agricultural future on the continent. PAFO remains a story of commitment, collaboration and empowerment of farmers on the African continent.