Now farmers’ organisations are looking at being more proactive in the CAADP process.

Regional farmers’ organisations (RFOs) such as the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF), Network of Peasant and Agricultural Producers’ Organisations in West Africa (ROPPA) and Platform of Peasant Organisations of Central Africa (PROPAC), together with national farmers unions from South Africa, Rwanda and Zambia, held consultations on 18-19April, 2007 with representatives of NEPAD/CAADP, SADC, COMESA and development partners and others.

The meeting which took place in Pretoria, South Africa, reflected on the four CAADP Pillars

1. sustainable land and water management,

2. rural infrastructure and market access,

3. food and nutrition security and

4. agricultural research, technology dissemination and adoption

as the basis for discussions for the necessary interaction between CAADP and farmers organisations.

Essentially these engagements were aimed at defining the CAADP governance structure and the positioning of regional and national farmers’ organisations (FOs). They also focused on identifying key issues and challenges in reaching an effective representation of farmers’ interests and to enhance the full commitment and contribution of farmers in the CAADP process.

The FOs reaffirmed and endorsed the CAADP as the main framework for revitalising the agricultural sector in Africa and asserted that their effective participation will be critical in successful implementation of the CAADP process.

They expressed the desire to be more proactive and take responsibility for making their contribution to the implementation of the CAADP. However, they noted that their capacities to effectively engage and participate in the processes at all levels are inadequate. Previous capacity building efforts have had limited impact and radical changes are necessary.

Although NEPAD and the FOs embraced the challenge of working together, the fact that farmers and farmers’ organisations are still lacking a “voice” in the CAADP process is evident.

The FOs identified the following as key for their improved performance :

the need for a predictable enabling business environment in the respective countries and regions, the need to reduce the cost of doing business, the necessity to create strategic partnerships between agribusinesses and producers (farmers). The conclusions of the meeting included the following :

RFOs and FOs endorsed the CAADP framework in general and specifically as a relevant tool for implementing initiatives that will enhance the interests of their members.

There is a need for partnership agreements between the RFOs and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and between RFOs and NEPAD.

Institutional capacity building is fundamental to the effectiveness and sustainability of FOs.

The effectiveness of FO’s in the CAADP process hinges on high level advocacy and lobbying.

Agribusiness and commodity associations should become part of FOs and RFOs.

A dedicated peer review mechanism for CAADP must be established and should include a representative of FOs.

Countries without FOs should be supported in establishing them.

FOs have a critical role to play in ensuring that the CAADP process promotes the development of domestic, regional and international markets for agricultural products.

FOs and NEPAD will work together closely to ensure a higher level of FO representation and involvement in AU/NEPAD structures.

FOs and NEPAD agreed on the need to convene a continent-wide summit for African farmers by the end of 2008.

FOs and NEPAD agreed on the need to establish a continent wide platform of farmers (from RFOs to farmer associations) to interact with the AU. Source : NEPAD, june 29, 2007