Africa, a land of agricultural opportunities, today faces unprecedented challenges. To address these challenges, a major initiative is currently underway in Berlin: the meeting of the 5 Regional Farmer Organizations (RFOs) members of the Panafrican Farmer Organisation (PAFO). This meeting has a key objective: to establish a process for the organizational development (OD) of these farmer organizations, a decisive step towards the consolidation and efficiency of their actions for the benefit of African producers. PAFO, an alliance of regional networks, includes ROPPA for West Africa, EAFF for East Africa, PROPAC for Central Africa, SACAU for Southern Africa, and UMNAGRI for North Africa. Representing the interests of tens of millions of producers across about 49 African countries, these organizations play a crucial role in defending and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
At the heart of this meeting in Berlin, the goal is to develop a structured framework for the organizational development of PAFO. This process aims to strengthen the institutional, operational, and strategic capacities of PAFO, so that it can better support the needs and aspirations of African producers.
ROPPA, an integral part of this initiative, is represented by its Secretary-General, Mr. Nadjirou SALL, and its Executive Secretary, Mr. Ousseini OUEDRAOGO. Their presence underscores the commitment of West Africa to this Pan-African process and makes a vital contribution to the discussions in terms of experiences and perspectives.
The Berlin meeting is thus more than just a gathering; it is a melting pot of ideas and strategies aiming to create a robust and efficient system for the RFOs. This interregional collaboration is essential for sharing resources, experiences, and strategies, in order to improve the overall impact of their actions.
The focus on organizational development during this meeting demonstrates the recognition that, to be effective and sustainable, the actions of farmer organizations must be well-structured and organized. It’s about building solid foundations to positively influence agricultural policies and defend the rights of producers at the national and continental level.
The Berlin meeting thus marks a strategic turning point for PAFO and its members. By focusing on organizational development, these organizations can significantly transform the African agricultural landscape, ensuring sustainable food security, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and improving the living conditions of African producers.
The future of African agriculture thus rests on solid and organized collaboration. The ongoing meeting in Berlin is a step forward towards this future, where African producers are not just food suppliers, but key actors in a sustainable and organized future for the continent.