Second meeting to outline PAFO Continental Briefing

As of October 6 and in view of World Food 

Day (October 16), the president of ROPPA, 

Djibo Bagna will be in Italy, to attend 

the FAO Committee on World Food Security

28 September 2012. African farmers’ organizations feel that they need to re-strategize the debate concerning African agriculture and maximize the benefits for smallholders. There is also an urgent need to create incentives, encourage farming as an economic activity, and integrate young farmers into agricultural policies. 

Following a first meeting in June, 2012, a second meeting has been held in Brussels to outline the structure of the next Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) Continental Briefing, which will focus on defining the future of African agriculture and the renewed role of farmers’ organizations with the support of CTA and the African Union Commission. 

The PAFO Continental Briefing will aim to expand knowledge on key areas; promote the exchange of expertise and experience; facilitate networking; provide a platform for policy dialogue and strengthen the PAFO as the continental farmers’ platform. 

Around 150 participants representing the five African regions are expected to attend the Continental Briefing, one-third of which will be representing farmers’ organizations. Other stakeholders will include: decentralized local communities, policy makers, researchers, agri-business sector representatives, financial institutions and insurance providers, as well as international organizations and RECs. 

Updates will follow on the Continental Briefing to be held in January 2013.