From October 14 to 18, 2024, the World Food Forum (WFF) and the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) conference brought together agricultural leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at the FAO headquarters in Rome. The event celebrated the midpoint achievements of the Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028) while focusing on challenges and opportunities ahead.
Key Moments of the Forum
Highlights of the week included several forums focusing on youth, scientific innovation, investment and family farming. The World Youth Forum launched a Global Action Plan to strengthen youth initiatives in the agri-food sector. In addition, an Innovation Lab awarded innovative projects that demonstrate the creative potential of young people and farmers. These discussions have helped to build solid partnerships to support sustainable agri-food systems.
This year’s Forum, themed ‘Quality food for all, today and tomorrow’, was a remarkable success. With over 200 events, 8,000 participants on the ground and a digital audience of 1.7 billion people, the week highlighted the importance of working together to accelerate the transformation of agri-food systems. PAFO mobilised its members to actively participate in the various forums and activities, strengthening the dialogue on food policy and promoting an inclusive approach.
Spotlight on Family Farming
The Farmers’ Village, a vibrant hub at the conference, hosted side events showcasing innovative practices and the empowerment of family farmers worldwide. Delegates from PAFO and its regional members actively participated, sharing insights and highlighting the importance of youth and climate finance in agriculture. One of the most inspiring moments was the panel discussion featuring the PROPAC President, who detailed successful public policy initiatives in Chad, and the EAFF CEO, who showcased innovative climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
PAFO’s CEO emphasized the importance of strengthened international cooperation to maximize the impact of initiatives and secure a sustainable future for family farming. He stated that PAFO will continue to advocate for the interests of African family farmers and promote inclusive agricultural development across the continent. The forum reaffirmed the central role of family farms in rural development and global food security. It was noted that, despite often being vulnerable to economic and climate shocks, these farms hold unique potential to transform agri-food systems. A call was made for greater mobilization to support these farmers through targeted policies and innovative programs that foster their autonomy and resilience.
Meeting with Italian Government Representatives
On October 16, 2024, during the WFF and UNDFF conference, the PAFO delegation participated in a roundtable discussion with Italian government representatives. Held at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) in Rome, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Italy’s initiatives on food security and sustainability while addressing the concerns of African family farmers.
The Italian officials outlined several projects, including the Africa Initiative on Food and Climate and the Coffee Fund, aimed at enhancing and protecting value chains. However, PAFO delegates voiced their concerns about the lack of consultation with farmers’ organizations during the planning stages of these initiatives.
The delegation emphasized the importance of:
- Direct access to financing for African family farmers.
- Transparency and accountability in project implementation.
- Involving farmers’ organizations in decision-making to ensure effective local solutions.
They also stressed the need to prioritize sustainable projects that directly benefit farmers and address local challenges.
The Italian officials reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical and financial support to Africa through initiatives such as the Food for Debt Swaps. They highlighted ongoing efforts to create fiscal spaces for food security and mentioned that institutions like AUC, NEPAD, and AfDB are actively involved in technical working groups to ensure African interests are represented. Furthermore, they pledged to include farmers’ organizations in implementing G7-led initiatives and shared examples of innovative projects aimed at building sustainable value chains. This meeting marked a pivotal moment for fostering stronger ties between PAFO and the Italian government. It underscored the importance of inclusive policy making and opened avenues for collaborative efforts to transform food systems sustainability while empowering African family farmers.
On the other hand, PAFO’s CEO had a productive meeting on the sidelines of the Forum with Kaz Fujiwara, Head of Partnerships at the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF), to discuss the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between FAO and PAFO, paving the way for promising collaborations!
Dr. Babafemi Oyewole, PAFO CEO Declaration
A Strong Voice for African Farmers
The 2024 World Food Forum served as a true catalyst for mobilizing the international community in favor of family farming. Discussions underscored the importance of supporting small-scale farmers, not only for food security but also for promoting sustainable agricultural practices that protect natural resources and the environment. PAFO, in partnership with its allies, will continue advocating for the interests of African family farmers by actively working to strengthen sustainable and resilient food systems. Through initiatives like DNUAF and key international discussions, PAFO aims to secure a brighter future for family farmers while preserving their crucial role in rural development.