Transcript Discussion on Agricultural Inputs, policies, subsidies and

Discussion on Agricultural
Inputs, policies, subsidies
and social protection
Linda Nghatsane
Nelspruit Agricultural Development
Association
3 September 2009
Maputo
On behalf of my fellow farmers, I appreciate
the fact that this dialogue that is led by
FARNAPAN recognizes the essential role
played by small scale farmers by affording
us a platform to participate during this
important discussion on agricultural inputs,
policies, subsidies and social protection.
Introduction
A successful but sustainable approach that integrates all aspects of rural
development needs to take into account the following issues:
1. Women are a driving force for rural development as well as main
producers in Africa yet are the most vulnerable. Participation of
indigenous people and women in policy formulation as well as
economic empowerment to produce more in order to address poverty
and food security cannot be underestimated.
2. Equitable and secure access to land and adequate natural resources
that matches long-term rural strategies are key;
3. The use of modern technology by women is critical to reduce drudgery
and to scale-up production, improved seeds and livestock breeds are
essential to improve farm productivity; while processing and storage
facilities are needed to avoid pre- and post-harvest losses. The
importance of roads and transport cannot be neglected as they bring
inputs to farms and enable access to markets.
I am pleased that FARNAPAN recognises
the important role of women like myself, as
farmers and natural resource managers.
Allow me to draw your attention to the
following points as a means to put these
good intentions into action:
1. Realignment of policies
• Policy formulation takes place and is being
influenced and modified at different levels;
therefore creation of an enabling environment
for small scale farmers’ participation at all levels
to redress those gender inequalities that are
entrenched in institutional practices is crucial.
• As my women colleagues say in South Africa:
“nothing about us without us”. We need to build
our capacity through your help and support to
negotiate and to lead.
• We want all our ministers and leaders to support
our efforts.
2. Institutional transformation
• Institutional transformation is needed to re-orient
policies, technologies, knowledge, education
and training programmes to address the needs
of small-scale farmers, including small-holders.
• Women farmers, in recognition of their extensive
knowledge, experience and roles as land and
water managers should be at the centre of
integrated programmes & policies.
• A re-orientation is also needed by agricultural
education and service providers, including
extension agents in the land and water-related
sectors.
3. Resource allocation
• Significant resource allocations are required to
support small-scale farmers and pastoralists,
and for institutional transformation. These
allocations should be monitored and
disaggregated on a gender basis.
• Subsidies should be such that they create an
enabling environment for growth and self
reliance instead of creating dependency that
undermines one’s dignity
4. Information sharing
• Greater sharing of knowledge and information
between farmers and with service providers is
needed to adapt farming practices, especially in
the context of climate change.
• This requires capacity development, including
vocational training, in particular for women to
make their leadership more effective and visible.
• Access to user-friendly relevant and affordable
technologies, including modern communication
technologies, can transform rural livelihoods and
create an enabling environment.
Social protection
• There is lack of vivacity in the agricultural sector;
as in all other sectors that lack vivacity - women
are at the bottom end of poverty and poor
capacity.
• To expect local African institutions to deal with
this huge capacity building task without them
benefiting from global partnerships is another
form of denying improvement of the well being of
women in rural areas.
Social protection cont…
There is a dire need for global networks to
influence the situation of their disciplines in
Africa as local African institutions cannot
on their own handle a situation that is
complicated by a number of factors that
among others includes:
a) Climate change and;
b) HIV/AIDS
c) Etc.
Conclusion
For me, as a small-scale woman farmer from
South Africa, THE “THING” that could make a
difference is access to women user-friendly
technologies that enable me to adapt to the
challenges of climate change, increase my
productivity, have access to markets reduce my
drudgery and save me some time to be able to
deliver the responsibilities I am shouldering as a
mother, food producer, and manager of my
environment.
I Thank you!
Kanimambo!
Obrigada!