African States Urged to Implement Agroecology Policies
Stakeholders representing smallholder food producers, civil society organisations, researchers, and policymakers in Africa have called on governments to invest in agroecology to advance food sovereignty across the continent.
The stakeholders, led by the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF) Chairperson Hakim Baliraine, urged African states to prioritise agroecology by developing and funding policies that support farmers, seed sovereignty, and sustainable food production.
Speaking during an agroecology workshop in Sagana, Baliraine expressed concern over the persistent disconnects between policy directives and the real needs of small-scale farmers, pastoralists and rural communities.
Baliraine said smallholder food producers, who produce the majority of Africa’s food, face immense challenges, including limited access to land, resources, and policy recognition.
“Past frameworks have often failed to adequately address the needs of Africa’s smallholder food producers, who are the backbone of our food systems,” he said.