Challenges faced by the farmers and responses already in place or recommended
Thanks to the support of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), under the FACP program, PAFO and its member networks, carried out its continental study to assess the impact of Covid-19 on farmers in Africa, ensure better monitoring and develop recommendations appropriate to the situation, PAFO and its member networks carried out a study covering the entire continent with supporting recommendations, for governments, technical and financial partners.
Entitled “THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON AFRICAN FARMERS AND THE PROPOSED RESPONSES”, the study took into account the realities of the five (5) PAFO member networks across the continent. The study highlights the magnitude of the impact of Covid-19 on African farmers and calls on the respective governments, partners and stakeholders to work on the implementation of the proposed recommendations in order to improve lives and the well-being of African farmers.
The results of the study highlight the detrimental effects of Covid-19 which has caused a number of common challenges that directly affect all farmers on the continent. These challenges range from market disruptions, declining income, loss of jobs and livelihoods due to increased food insecurity, to arriving at the expected decline in production due to the disruption of the next few planting seasons.
In light of the results of the study, PAFO offers recommendations ranging from strengthening support to farmers and their organizations, to maximizing opportunities in agriculture and agri-food processing on the African continent, through promoting the innovations and opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
