ESAFF SA & Southern Africa Trust held CAADP Farmers’ Information day
The 17th October 2018, marked the first collaborative event between Southern Africa Trust (SAT) and ESAFF SA, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) farmers’ information day. The information day was aimed at reviewing the implementation of CAADP in the Limpopo province and to come up with strategies that farmers’ advocacy campaigns can employ to ensure the full realization of the Malabo declaration goals by 2025. The event took place in Ngwaaga a Moloto Eco-Tourism Village, Bolatjane village (formerly known as Hweleshaneg), Limpopo province.
The event had well over 130 participants, the engagements led to a groundbreaking dialogue that advocated for the rights of women towards land ownership. It was through this engagement where the Royal houses (member of the provincial traditional council) re-assured female farmers that they will issue Permission to Occupy (PTO) in their names when requested. Also, the government affirmed that women are now taking a leading in agriculture in the Limpopo province. The Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDA) added that it even has awards for top women entrepreneurs, it was added that the women are viewed not as “farmers” but rather as “entrepreneurs” as farming is a business. Mrs Noko Malahlela of LDA added that the awards are “just to say thank you for the work they do to feed the nation”.
Youth attend the 2018 CAADP Farmers Information Day and advocate for #ZeroHunger by 2025
Despite South Africa being said to be on track towards achieving the Malabo Declaration goals according to the Africa Union (AU), the country remains far from ending hunger by 2025 if agricultural budget allocation remains at 1.1% of the total national budget and the farmer support funds disbursement remains cumbersome. Hence, the farmers and the royal houses encouraged youth participation in agriculture to avoid the trend of “ageing farmers” and added that the vibrancy of youth can drive agriculture in Limpopo towards ending hunger by 2025. The 2018 CAADP Farmers information Day was made possible with Financial support from Southern Africa Trust.
