Family Farming

The Gourma Honey: A model of sustainable development and prosperity
Family Farming

The Gourma honey, a flagship product of the Eastern region of Burkina Faso, is the result of an ancestral beekeeping practice. In the past, beekeeping was an artisanal activity, with honey mainly intended for family consumption or for cultural rites. However, in 1986, a Swiss missionary based in Fada N’Gourma saw the economic potential of this activity and encouraged a group of twelve peasant beekeepers to band together to produce

MAPTO breaks down barriers to agricultural financing in Togo
Family Farming

In the framework of ROPPA’s series “The Gems of Family Farms”, they spotlight a remarkable initiative by the Peasant Alliance Movement of Togo (MAPTO). This organization has implemented an innovative approach to facilitate access to agricultural financing for its members, despite the reluctance of financial institutions to invest in what is perceived as a risky sector. MAPTO conducted a comprehensive study on agricultural financing, input supply, marketing, and value chain

Global webinars: Towards innovative policies to enhance the transformative role of family farmers
Family Farming

These global webinars will be held on 11 and 13 July 2023 with simultaneous translation in English, French and Spanish. The World Rural Forum (WRF), in collaboration with FAO, is organizing a series of webinars to share experiences and reflect on how to achieve innovations in public policies through the recognition and consideration of the different dimensions of family farming, enabling its action to be amplified, strengthen interconnection with other policies

Strengthening the Family Farm Observatory of ROPPA for a more efficient family farming
Family Farming

In May 2023, the town of Thiès in Senegal was the venue for a regional workshop dedicated to the Observatoire des Exploitations Familiales (OEF) in West Africa. Organised by the Network of Farmers’ Organisations and Agricultural Producers of West Africa (ROPPA), the aim of the event was to strengthen the OEF, a strategic tool for family farm development in the region. The workshop brought together around forty participants from various

Event: Advocacy & Lobbying for farmers' rights July 6
Family Farming

Ever wondered how to make a meaningful impact on African agriculture? How to effectively advocate for farmers’ rights? The Network of Farmers’ and Agricultural Producers’ Organizations of West Africa (ROPPA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the first session of the Pan-African Digital Platform. This innovative tool, created by PAFO in partnership with AHA and AKI, is designed to enhance the capacity of African farmers’ organizations through peer learning

Timely broadcasts yield better potato harvests in Nigeria
Family Farming

Mashed potatoes, French fries, hash browns … Potatoes are an integral part of many people’s diet. Potatoes are a staple crop in Nigeria, playing a vital role in food security and nutrition. Potato farming in Nigeria is serious business: the west African country is the fourth-largest producer of potatoes in sub-Saharan Africa. However, Nigerian potato farmers often have low yields compared to regional averages. Why is that? Farmers often use

Green Revolution in Mali: The Triumph of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Management and Valorization by Women
Family Farming

In our weekly feature “Family Farming Gems of the Week”, we highlight a real gem of sustainable development and women empowerment in Mali. In the heart of the Sikasso region, within the rural municipality of Farakala, a remarkable transformation is underway, thanks to an initiative focused on the management and valorization of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). It is here that the women of Farakala have embraced a new era of

Gebana: A revolution in agri-food industry and strengthening producer network in Burkina Faso
Family Farming

Established in 2009 in Burkina Faso, Gebana has profoundly transformed local agricultural production and has significantly contributed to strengthening the network of producers. With production volumes reaching 1050 tons of dried mango and 405 tons of cashew nuts, Gebana is a key player in the agri-food industry in West Africa. Beyond the production of dried mangoes, Gebana has expanded its range by introducing a variety of products processed from cashew

Seeder: The ingenious farming tool revolutionizing rice farming in Benin
Family Farming

The wonders of peasant ingenuity are often underestimated. Today, we explore the Seeder, a revolutionary tool that has transformed rice farming in Benin. The Council for Cooperation among Rice Producers in Benin (CCR-B), established in 2006, has always had the primary mission to represent the interests of Beninese rice producers and to promote their professionalization. One of their greatest achievements is undoubtedly the introduction of the Seeder in the project

Launch of innovative projects to boost youth employment in local milk value chains in West Africa and Chad
Family Farming

As part of the Regional Support Program for Farmers’ Professional Organizations (PRAOP-3), a capacity-building workshop took place from May 8 to 11 in Lomé, Togo, at the Hotel du 2 Février. The event marked the official launch of 23 field projects aimed at promoting youth employment in local milk value chains in West Africa and Chad. West Africa is characterized by a young and mobile population, whose migratory flows are