Family farming is the backbone of Africa
24 March 2014, Rome--In sub-Saharan Africa, almost 239 million people face serious problems related to food security and nutrition. Family farming appears as an effective model that can provide solutions to overcome this challenge. During the African Regional Dialogue on Family Farming (6-7 November 2013, Cape Town, South Africa), participants identified specific actions for effective and sustainable collaboration that achieve food and nutrition security in the continent. Additionally, participants recognized family farming as a way of life that contributes to the intergenerational transmission of knowledge , preservation of the environment , natural resources and cultural heritage . Therefore, sustainable investments to fund agriculture and agricultural policies in favor of the family are needed. The following interviews encompass participants’ opinions and recommendations during the dialogue. The views expressed in these interviews are solely those of the individual interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO.
Lily Musaya, Project Officer of the Liu Lathu (Malawi), encourages the modernization of family farming to secure family income and promote the youth to further family farming activities.
Interview to Veronica Vries, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa. Mrs Vries promotes cooperatives of small farmers as a way to secure family farms.
Series of short interviews with participants, including farmers and civil society representatives, about the challenges of African family farmers.
Professor Wale Adekunle, Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, states that family farms in sub-Saharan Africa need to come profitable so that youth is attracted to continue the activities in their rural context.
Produced by: AMARC