This article is originally published by Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA)

In support of the UN Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF), the Asian Farmers’ Association (AFA) and its partner organizations conducted virtual events that aimed at strengthening efforts to empower family farmers as well as highlight the important role of family farmers in achieving food security.

Sustaining Family Farming in Asia-Pacific through inclusive, farmer-driven approaches

One hundred eighty (180) participants including members of farmers organizations, CSOs, and representatives of development partners, from 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region participated in the regional virtual forum titled “Sustaining Family Farming in Asia-Pacific through inclusive, farmer-driven approaches” held on 6-7 October 2020. The forum aimed to promote and strengthen multi-actor partnerships that contribute to positive policy changes in family farming in line with UNDFF. The two-day event provided a platform for smallholder farmers in the region to put forward the challenges they are facing including limited access to land, farm inputs, and the market as well as aging farmers, etc., and made it known to the other stakeholders present.

Regional Consultation Meeting on UN Decade of Family Farming: Formulating Strategies and Action Plan to Strengthen Smallholder Family Farmers in South Asia

On 5-6 November 2020, the South Asia regional consultation meeting on the UN Decade of Family Farming titled “Formulating Strategies and Action Plan to Strengthen Smallholder Family Farmers in South Asia” gathered 90 participants from the region as well as outside the region, who brainstormed and exchanged ideas on how to strengthen smallholder family farmers in South Asia.  The virtual event aimed to formulate a Regional Action Plan that defines the key priorities, strategies, and actions to implement the UNDFF to strengthen family farmers in South Asia and improve their wellbeing in the next 10 years.