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Discussion on Agricultural Inputs, policies, subsidies and social protection. Linda Nghatsane Nelspruit Agricultural Development Association 3 September 2009 Maputo.
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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: • 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. • Equitable and secure access to land and adequate natural resources that matches long-term rural strategies are key; • 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.
