The African Farmers need to have their voices heard!

Tunis, 9 September 2005 -   “Farmers must play a key role in the fight against hunger and the economic development of the African continent.  Therefore, they have to be involved in the decision making process in order to contribute to the growth of rural communities.  Farmers’ voices have to be heard!” This is what stressed African farm leaders when they gathered in Tunis, Tunisia, from 7 to 9 September, for the African Farmers’ Committee Meeting of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP).

African farmers believe they are crucial actors to fight hunger and rural poverty and are ready to play this role.  They are pillar to achieve food security and rural development.  In order to fully participate to the growth of the Agricultural sector and to be involved in Policy dialogue and policy formulation, farm leaders committed to develop strong professional organisations that are truly representative, transparent, democratic and accountable to members.

Most of African countries depend on Agriculture for the economic growth; very few economies have achieved broad based economic growth without agricultural and rural growth.  Current levels of poverty and hunger in developing countries can to a large extent be attributed to an almost total neglect of the Agricultural sector. In spite of good intentions of the International community through the Millennium Development Goals, development agencies and governments, farmers in developing countries continue to slip further into poverty rather than getting out of it. Therefore, IFAP African farmers renewed their commitment to carry out the “IFAP Recommendations for eliminating rural poverty and achieving food security” all over Africa and to raise awareness on solutions and actions to be taken.

The Committee also discussed the place of research in rural development, the importance of capacity building for farmers’ organisations, and the benefits for farmers of trade agreements. Hosted by UTAP (Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries), the 13th session of the IFAP African Farmers’ Committee elected new officers.  Mr. Jacques Bonou, from FUPRO-Benin, was elected Chair of the African Committee.  He succeeds Hon. Mohamed Idris, former President of the Agricultural Cooperative Union of Egypt and founder of the IFAP Committee, who was warmly congratulated for his devotion and contribution to the Committee over the last 20 years.  Mr. Nduati Kariuki (Kenya), Ajay Vashee (Zambia) and Mabrouk Bahri (Tunisia) were elected vice-chairs.

Note: “IFAP Recommendations for eliminating rural poverty and achieving food security” are available in the IFAP website

IFAP African Farmers’ Committee: The Committee serves as a permanent forum where African farmers’ organisations can meet and work together on a regular basis. Member countries:  Algeria, Arab republic of Egypt, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Comoros,  Democratic republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.