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Mon, 24 Oct 2016 16:43:50 +0000
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"Moderated conference on small farms and food security (October
2016)" < [log in to unmask]>
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My name is Rose Aduol-Sigar, a consultant with extensive experience in food security, environmental management and rural development. Many years of experience working with international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and national NGOs. Currently engaged in organisational capacity building of a start-up national NGO called Action for Change and Progress.
Regarding Question 3.4.1 ("Driven by the SDGs, sustainability development is now central in the international development agenda. Sustainable development involves three dimensions - environmental, social and economic - and it is in manifold ways connected with food security and nutrition. How can small farms specifically contribute to achieving food security and improved nutrition in a sustainable way?"):
Small farms have a higher potential of practicing mixed farming in which farmers keep a few herds of animals, some birds and do cropping. With commitment and dedication, it is possible for farmers in these set-ups to limit the use of external inputs and lay emphasis on use of on-farm generated organic inputs. Though labour intensive, in the long run a farmer would save money that would otherwise be used to purchase external inputs. With proper farm planning, environmental management and sustainability would be assured. In small farms, it is also possible and highly likely for farmers to support each other especially in times of high labour intensive season. It is possible for farmers to mobilise and work on each other's farms in a merry-go-round sort of way. This enhances social cohesion and improves social networking. Exchange of seeds works best in a small farm set up. Sharing of ideas, experiences and information is effectively achieved in small farm context.
Regarding Question 3.4.2 ("Of the three sustainability dimensions, to which one do small farms contribute most to sustainable food security and nutrition?"):
Personally, I think and believe that small farms do/would contribute in equal measures to all the 3 sustainability dimensions. As explained above, encouraging the use of organic material to improve soil fertility, facilitating effective farm planning and resource use and encouraging enterprise diversification will promote environmental sustainability. Mobilising neighbouring farmers into groups and facilitating group savings that eventually grow into village financial associations will facilitate economic growth and enhance social cohesion. All the 3 dimensions must go hand in hand to realise sustainable development.
Rose Aduol-Sigar
Programmes Coordinator
Action for Change and Progress
Kenya
E-mail: sigarrose (at) gmail.com
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