Discussion Forums for the ARD community

It will be of paramount importance for this conference to devote some
discussion time on strategies aimed at re-defining our (stakeholder)’s expectation of smallholder farmers when it comes to their responsibility vis-à-vis farming vocation or life. In other words, how do we challenge
smallholder farmers to operate or conduct the business of farming and
excel irrespective of the size of their resource base? Is it all about resources? Or are there other factors that undermine optimization or resources however small the size or quantity?

I would like to see some discussion around the following topics:

- Research to focus on helping farmers farm with purpose and intent -
developing a proactive approach to farming rather than a reactive
approach to farming irrespective of the size of their resource base. The Dogon farmers in the rocky cliffs of Badiangara, Mali versus the poor farmers living in the fertile savanna lands of the Central African Republic. Both communities are engaged in the fight for survival but operate from a different perspective when it comes to their resource-base (land and rain-fall for example)

- Research to focus on achieving quality and excellence with respect to
mastery of farming practices and products (poverty shouldn’t translate
into mediocrity)- how can we help farmers learn to perfect the art of
farming and draw durable sustenance and satisfaction from it, even
when it is not always profitable. Perhaps our social scientists could help us with this one. What happens to the care for the land or whatever livelihood system that’s at the heart of any given community’s survival? It seems to me that this “Caring” aspect should not be under-estimated. I have traveled the world and seen farms, and can tell which farm or farmer cares for his or her work and farming assets as if their life depends on it, and others who do it because that’s how it’s been always done or just plane disconnect from their livelihood activity.

- Research to focus on promoting artisan skills and traditional
technologies that support agriculture – such bodies of knowledge
represent practical, durable, and local solutions to improving
agricultural production activities.

Hope you find this useful. I will be glad to expand more or provide
further details to clarify the points I made above should you see the
need. Many thanks; I look forward to meeting you at the conference.

Nanga Kaye
Agriculture Program Director
Integrated Community Development International
Email: