farming first presentation

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Dr. Lindiwe Sibanda CEO, FANRPAN April 30, 2009 Farming First Presentation www.farmingfirs t.org

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Farming First is a coalition of global organisations looking to enhance sustainable development through agriculture. More can be found on the website: www.farmingfirst.org

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Page 1: Farming First presentation

Dr. Lindiwe SibandaCEO, FANRPANApril 30, 2009

Farming First Presentation

www.farmingfirst.org

Page 2: Farming First presentation

The Context for Farming First

Results & Risks- Hunger levels in sub-Saharan Africa are rising- 1 in 4 people facing water scarcity by 2025- Poor regions are more affected by climate change

Supply-side Challenges

- 40-55% declines in arable land per capita by 2030

- More extreme and volatile weather from climate change

- Gaps in farm labour productivity where LDCs have less than 1% the levels of developed countries

Demand-side Challenges

- Global population will rise by 1.7 billion people by 2030

- Consumption trends are toward more energy intensive foods, such as

meat.

- Agriculture’s share of foreign aid has dropped from 17% to 3%

Page 3: Farming First presentation

The Farming First Plan: Enhancing Sustainable Development through Agriculture

- Farmer-centered: focused on giving farmers, especially smallholder farmers, the tools and information they need.

- Inclusive: of all groups throughout the agricultural supply chain, from farmers and suppliers to policymakers and scientists.

- Knowledge-driven: comprehensive in its approach to finding sustainable systemic solutions for agricultural production balancing environmental, economic, and social needs.

Page 4: Farming First presentation

The Farming First Supporters

3 Major Groups with consultative status at the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development (UNCSD):

i. Farmers

ii. Scientists

iii. Business & Industry

Supporters include:• The International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP)• The International Council for Science (ICSU)• CropLife International• The International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA)

Page 5: Farming First presentation

6 Key Principles

Page 6: Farming First presentation

1. Safeguard Natural Resources

Improve land management practices• Conservation tillage• Watershed management Wildlife habitat and biodiversity protection Creation of incentives for ecosystem services

Page 7: Farming First presentation

2. Share knowledge

Enabling farmers to use resources in a sustainable way• Improve agronomic education for farmers• Develop village-based knowledge centres • Provide access to market, weather, crop information through ICTs• Encourage two-way exchanges with farmers and between farmers

Page 8: Farming First presentation

3. Build Local Access

Give access to tools to complement knowledge• Improve access to land and water, especially for women• Provide rural access to microfinance services• Provide access to agricultural inputs and services• Build infrastructure

Page 9: Farming First presentation

4. Protect Harvests

Reduce losses to improve returns• Build local storage facilities and transportation mechanisms• Localise the application of knowledge and information• Improve awareness of sustainable consumption • Provide risk management tools such drought insurance to farmers

Page 10: Farming First presentation

5. Enable Market Access

Help farmers achieve better livelihoods• Provide remote access to up-to-date market pricing information• Develop well-functioning markets• Encourage co-operative approaches• Improve smallholder farmers’ marketing skills• Reduce market distortions at al levels of agriculture worldwide

Page 11: Farming First presentation

6. Prioritise Research Imperatives

Meet the challenges of the future• Conduct research on soil fertility, water availability, crop losses and climate change• Improve productivity through responsible science and technology• Increase public and private investment in R&D• Promote farmer-centered research• Establish public-private partnerships

Page 12: Farming First presentation

www.farmingfirst.org

Questions & Answers