Since the launch of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF), significant progress has been made in advocating for family farming in Africa. This crucial sector is now better recognized for its role in ensuring food security and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. However, despite these advancements, several major challenges continue to hinder the full achievement of UNDFF’s goals in the region.
One of the biggest obstacles facing African family farmers is limited access to resources, including land, financing, and agricultural inputs. These constraints severely impact their productivity and growth potential. Additionally, political support remains insufficient, slowing down the much-needed reforms to boost the sector. Another critical issue is the inclusion of youth and women in family farming, which is essential for ensuring generational renewal and improving the socio-economic inclusion of rural communities.
As part of the UNDFF mid-term review, the 20th session of the Pan-African Farmers’ Organizations Exchange Platform, implemented by PAFO, in partnership with AHA, focused on “UNDFF Mid-Term: Review, Challenges, and Perspectives for Africa“, and Moderated by EAFF and UMNAGRI. This online session gathered PAFO members network to reflect on the progress made by African family farmers. The session also provided a space for identifying persistent obstacles and formulating strategic recommendations for the next five years.
One of the primary goals of the session was to foster international cooperation to better support family farming across Africa. Through concrete recommendations and a renewed call for stakeholder engagement, the next five years aim to enhance the resilience and sustainability of this vital sector, which is crucial for the development of the continent.