From October 9 to 11, 2024, the headquarters of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome hosted strategic consultations for Farmers’ Organizations programs as part of the FO4A initiative. This event brought together major partners such as the Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO), AgriCord, the European Union, IFAD, and other Farmers’ Organizations from various regions of the world to co-design the next phase of these programs. The goal was to strengthen family farmers’ organizations globally, with a particular focus on Africa.
The End of a Cycle and the Beginning of a New Chapter
Building on the notable success of the FO4ACP program, the European Union announced an additional support package of €20 million for Africa and €10 million for Asia. This funding aims to further strengthen Farmers’ Organizations (FOs), but it is not guaranteed. It requires a well-crafted, collaborative proposal, carefully developed by stakeholders. The consultations highlighted the importance of a participatory approach directly involving farmers’ organizations in the co-design of the FO4A program. This inclusive process took into account recommendations from previous evaluations, ensuring that the new phase of FO4A programs effectively addresses challenges faced on the ground. This initiative marks a significant step forward for the FO4A program.
Structuring Discussions
Among the challenges raised during the consultations were global issues such as food security, climate change, and rural poverty. The discussions helped define concrete actions aimed at positioning farmers’ organizations at the center of solutions for these urgent problems. PAFO, as a key player in these consultations, reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of smallholder farmers and mobilizing the necessary resources to address these global challenges. This strengthened collaboration between organizations from Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean provides a solid foundation for future efforts, with the aim of generating lasting impact.
From the outset, representatives from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean presented the outcomes of the previous program. Their interventions emphasized the critical role of FOs in achieving sustainable food systems. They also underscored the need for innovative solutions to tackle pressing challenges, including:
- Climate change adaptation,
- Youth and women’s inclusion, and
- Enhanced partnership coordination.
Working group sessions focused on refining the objectives of the new program, highlighting key priorities:
- Improving access to climate finance,
- Promoting resilient and sustainable agricultural practices,
- Strengthening political engagement to advocate for farmers, and
- Ensuring transparent coordination among partners.
A Moment of Solidarity and Anticipation
The consultation ended on a note of optimism, with participants sharing a common vision of a future where Farmers’ Organizations play a central role. Concrete steps were identified, including the final drafting of the proposal and organizing a visibility event to secure additional funding.
Rome bore witness to this critical moment—a starting point for transforming commitments into actions and aspirations into reality.