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'The Doors are Open - We Farmers are Ready'

By
Shamika Mone
,
Elizabeth Nsimadala
,
Jan Rübel

‘You shall not push farmers into one or another direction, but empower them to decide.’ Farmer’s representatives Shamika Mone from India and Elizabeth Nsimadala from Uganda on ecological farming methods, the need for sustainable food systems, and negotiating small-holders’ rights on the international stage.

Taken together, the farmer's associations INOFO and EAFF represent more than 20 million smallholders from East Africa and India. © GIZ 2022

By Shamika Mone

Shamika Mone is a researcher turned organic farmer and entrepreneur originally from Maharashtra. She does organic farming on four acres of leased farm land where she grows traditional rice varieties and vegetables. Since 2017, Mone serves as Chairperson of the Inter-continental Network of Organic Farmers Organisations (INOFO), a self-organised structure for Organic Farmers within IFOAM Organics International.

All contributions

By Elizabeth Nsimadala

Elizabeth Nsimadala is the Regional President of Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) and Board Member of Pan Africa Farmers Organisation (PAFO) she is also the current chairperson of Uganda Cooperative College Tororo governing council in Uganda and the Coordinator CARITAS Cooperative Governing Council in Uganda.

All contributions

By Jan Rübel

Jan Rübel is author at Zeitenspiegel Reportagen, a columnist at Yahoo and writes for national newspapers and magazines. He studied History and Middle Eastern Studies.

All contributions

Shamika Mone opens her laptop, a cow moos in the background. She has just taken stock of her rice harvest. 'Too many wild pigs,' she mumbles, 'they even dig under the fence, about half of our crops are gone.' On her farm in Sho-ranur, Palakkad, Kerala in India, she relies on traditional seeds. Then it beeps. Elizabeth Nsimadala joins in - from Kigali in Uganda. 'It's raining a lot right now, can you hear me?' Then: 'One moment, I'll go to my car, the reception is better there.' Two minutes later, the conversation begins. What Mone and Nsimadala have in common is that they are both farmers. Both also represent their profession and participated in the UN Food Systems Summit in September 2021. With this balancing act between their own farm, the regional needs of small farmers and negotiating at the international level, the first question for the two is obvious.

 

How do you accomodate all of your tasks?

Shamika Mone: It is a question of time management. I develop these skills slowly because it is necessary for me to maintain a balance between the farming and the computer work.

 

All those positions, the work for the organizations – it is voluntary. What earns my living is my farm.  

 

Do you see yourself as a representative of smallholder farmers?

Elizabeth Nsimadala: I am not seeing myself so, farmers have given me that mandate as their representative through a democratic election process. Right from my grass roots cooperative, all the way to the international level with the National Alliance of Agricultural Cooperatives in Uganda (NAAC), the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) and Pan Africa Farmers Organisation (PAFO) Personally, I am a smallholder coffee and banana farmer, and I also produce banana wine.

 
Shamika Mone: This is similar to my experiences. I see myself as one of the privileged ones. There are so many farmer leaders, but not everybody gets the chance to a platform, and this is because of the language. Many people don’t get into these positions because of it. I had the privilege to research on organic farming and had the language skills, plus the will to make a change in the society. I wanted to be a farmer myself. I decided to drop my salary job and got into farming as a livelihood. It is very easy to advise farmers being in an NGO or an association and tell them what to do and what not to do. But to be yourself a farmer, needs a lot of knowledge skill sets which normally, academically educated people don’t have. Many people want to speak on behalf of farmers. But there is no need for the academics and scientists to do that.

 

Farmers have to be farmers first and then to speak for themselves.

 
Accordingly, now I am mandated by Organic Farming Families around six regions of the world namely Asia, Africa, South America, North America, Europe and Oceania Pacifika to represent them with their challenges and strengths.
 
Elizabeth Nsimadala: I agree with Shamika that farmers representatives have to be farmers, there are so many NGOs and CSOs disguising to be representing farmers interests. We are not civil society organizations, we are private sector and business people. We take farming as a means of our livelihood, it’s our business. Farmers know a lot of traditional information which does not get to the world of advisors and researchers. For example, for agricultural research to be successful it needs to be farmer-led. Farmers know where to grow which varieties and when. Research adoption has been slow because farmers are not part and partial of the process, they don’t consider farmers needs and hence most varieties have remained on the shelves because they don’t address farmers’ needs.
 
How do you share this knowledge?
Elizabeth Nsimadala: Most institutions have been working in silo hence limited impact. This is why we have to work in a holistic partnership with different players, we have to build an ecosystem where everyone makes a contribution. It has been a journey of a thousand miles making sure that as farmers we are put at the centre. We have to fight to be heard, to sit at the table.
 
Die befragten Menschen möchten sich aktiver an Food-Governance-Prozessen beteiligen. (c) SLE
Both Shamika Mone und Elizabeth Nsimadala emphasize that they are farmers first. Nismadala grows bananas and porcesses them to wine. © GIZ 2022

You participated in the UN Food Systems Summit. Why?

Shamika Mone: When the summit came into picture, there were many organizations, circles and networks who told us to oppose the summit as a whole. There were also member organizations who said that we should not participate because it is all hijacked by international companies. Hence, we tried to find an orientation because there were different, contradictory voices. Finally, we decided to be part of it.

 

 

 

 

When you want to change the system, you have to be in the system first to change anything.

 

From the outside, you can’t change anything in the system. And we were actively involved in the system. We wanted to create awareness of the food systems itself, which is not happening so far – and if it is happening with the UN, it would be wonderful. And second, we wanted to create a dialogue among organic farmers to come up with solutions. We have plenty of them! Why not utilize this as a platform to create awareness about food solutions offered on the ground? The independent dialogues at the summit were a fascinating idea for us because it was the first time in history the smallholder organic farmer’s organizations were asked to raise their opinion about food systems.

 

Elizabeth Nsimadala: I appreciate that the UN really gave a platform to the farmers’ rights. It was the first summit where we saw a representation of farmers’ organizations – up to the highest level. When you talk about food, you have to talk about farmers. It was a right, not a privilege given to us to participate in the summit. Hence, we made sure that we did not only put forward our demands, but also our commitments if we are to have a transformation of our food systems not only as beneficials but as partners.

 

Our call for action: Farmers demand fairness, equality, rebalancing of power and true value for food if we are to transform the food systems.

 

Did the smallholder farmers have an influence on the outcome of the summit?

Shamika Mone: That is an interesting question. It definitely has an impact. At the Pre-summit and at the summit we saw communication channels that have been opened. There is also talking happening now between governments and civil societies. This is good. Now we need to see if the talks are actually laid down in terms of projects and support for farmers. The doors are open.

 

Elizabeth Nsimadala: It was a big achievement and a great impact that we as smallholder farmers were recognized as contributors to the food systems. The question remains on how do we translate this impact into action? That is what we need to see happening. Smallholder farmers must be part of the different coalitions and national pathways, they should hold National governments accountable, this is where the rubber meets the road with actions on ground, this is part of our next steps.

 

Did you have the impression that you were perhaps providing an alibi?

Shamika Mone: Maybe yes. I am not very sure. But because farmers were usually avoided on such occasions, farmers were not asked about their opinions, this is a step forward. Now we have to be vigilant if all these ideas that we discussed at the summit are being implemented on the ground.

 

Elizabeth Nsimadala: We were given a platform to present our ideas and proposals. This was an open and holistic process that gave space to everyone. You can’t fight a battle when you are not on the battlefield. In case your ideas are not implemented then you can have a basis other than boycotting the process. Our participation is a basis of reviewing actions and making systems like the UN or national governments accountable.

 

Abbildung des SLE basierend auf FIES-Indikator der FAO.
People with middle and higher income increasingly ask, where their food is coming from. Yet organic farming needs to pay off for smallholders. © GIZ/Sven Schuppener 2022

What is also being debated at the international level is the question of how sustainable, how ecological agriculture should be. How does this question affect you as farmers, on the ground?

Shamika Mone: In recent decades, there was only little talk of agroecology at international events. But I am glad that because of the efforts of the previous leaders of our organizations now at least we have people talking about sustainable and ecological agriculture. It is getting debated. This is a first sign of achievement. Even though it does not create an imminent impact it creates a long term impact of awareness and it also leads to several projects. Many organizations want to act now more sustainably and more eco-friendly. Though there is also mis-use of words that one needs to be aware about.

 

Elizabeth Nsimadala: We see a change and great shift towards health diets by the middle income and richer citizens. But this has to do with action than just talks and demands. Farmers are ready to get in ecological production, but this should attract some required level of investments. How do you reward farmers when you want organic food from them?

 

It takes a lot to put organic food on the table and this should be given equal reward.

 

Is that possible worldwide without chemical fertilisers and chemical pesticides?

Elizabeth Nsimadala: I see a growing demand for and focus on organic fertilizer. Everything is possible.

 

We only need to have a commitment from everyone.

 

We only need to look at it as a revolution and avail the required investments and infrastructure. We farmers are ready if everyone says they are ready.

Shamika Mone: There is no doubt that all this is possible, worldwide. The only thing is that it needs drastic steps to be taken in real, not just in talk and in events. We have to make a choice. Either we want to conserve biodiversity or we want to have the chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers – you can’t have them both. Most farmers hardly know about organic farming. Hence, they need to get into the position to make a choice. Organic farming is more knowledge-based. You shall not push farmers into one or another direction, but to empower them to decide.

 

Agricultural policy
,
Farmer associations and cooperatives
,
Food systems

Back to overview

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African Union sets the Way for the Future

A Contribution by GIZ

From January 9 to 11, 2025, heads of state and government of the African Union met in Kampala, Uganda. With a clear vision and concrete measures, the Kampala Agenda aims to make the continent's agricultural and food systems climate-resilient, fair and future-proof by 2035.

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Guide to a Sustainable Cocoa Sector

A Contribution by Jens Busma

The Federal Ministry ofor Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) presented a revised version of the 10-Point Plan for a sustainable cocoa sector. The plan takes into account new supply chain legislations and current developments. A particular focus is paid to a living incomes, responsible purchasing practices and ecological and climate-friendly cocoa cultivation.

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"We didn't even make it halfway"

Interview with Claudia Brück and Torben Erbrath

The demand for fair-trade cocoa is growing – but how is the industry responding? In an interview, Claudia Brück, Executive Board Member of Fairtrade Germany, and Dr. Torben Erbrath, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry, discuss progress as well as challenges, and why real change can only be achieved through long-term commitment along the entire supply chain.

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Female Leadership: A Key Lever for Transformation?

A Conversation with Carmen Torres Ledezma & Oluwaseyi Kehinde-Peters

Female Leadership is vital to the transformation of agriculture and food systems. Therefore, it is so important to advance gender-sensitive approaches to increase the presence of women in leadership positions in agricultural production and to make these systems more equitable, sustainable and resilient.

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Gender-Transformative Approaches – Unlocking Everyone’s Potential

A Contribution by GIZ

Studies show that women often manage agricultural resources more effectively and sustainably. With equal access to production resources, agricultural yields could increase by up tp 30 per cent. But this is about more than just productivity. How can gender-transformative approaches (GTA) drive meaningful change and why are GTA key to sustainable change?

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BIOFACH as a game changer for organic producers

A Contribution by Claudia Jordan

In 2025, GIZ and the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) celebrate ten years of successful cooperation. With their joint stand at BIOFACH trade fair in Nuremberg, they were able to introduce over 300 organic companies of partner countries to the European market. And the journey continues – despite challenges on the global market.

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Adapted financial services – a key to transformation

A Contribution by GIZ

In March, delegations from nine partner countries met in Berlin at the Partner Conference Scaling Access to Finance for Agripreneurs. Alongside AUDA-NEPAD, IFAD, BMZ, GIZ, and others, around 100 participants worked on practical solutions to support financial inclusion in agricultural transformation and hand over their conclusions to the AU's Kampala CAADP process.

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Working together to improve global nutrition

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

The global fight against malnutrition needs more than just words - as demonstrated by the Nutrition for Growth summit in Paris. With comprehensive commitments and clear receivables, a signal has been sent: Healthy nutrition must become a global priority. But what do participants from countries such as Yemen and Timor Leste think?

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Elevating Soil Health for a Sustainable Future

A Contribution by Kah Walla

In May, this year's "Partners for Change – SOILutions for a Food Secure, Resilient, and Sustainable Future" conference took place. Kah Walla, Moderator of the Conference and Director of Strategies!, summarises the discussions and declares that healthy soils are not just the foundation of agriculture, but the cornerstone of a resilient, equitable, and climate-smart future.

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From Pledges to Progress: Nutrition at the Heart of Inclusive Development

A Contriution by GIZ

At the Nutrition for Growth 2025 Summit in Paris, Team Europe, comprising the European Commission and Member States, put nutrition at the centre of international politics as a driver for resilience, equality and human rights. There is a consensus on the results of the summit: to turn commitments into concrete progress through strong partnerships and innovative approaches.

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(c) Christoph Püschner

The price isn’t everything

By Bettina Rühl

In Togo’s capital, Lomé, home-grown rice costs almost twice as much as the imported product from Thailand. Yet there are good reasons for preferring the local product

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(c) Joerg Boethling/GIZ

"We are not Uber for tractors"

Interview with Jehiel Oliver

Jehiel Oliver was a successful consultant. One day, he quit his job in investment banking to become a social entrepreneur. His mission: tractors for Africa. Rental tractors. What gave him that idea? Find out in his interview with Jan Rübel.

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© AHA

The farmes themselves are the benchmark

A contribution by Andreas Quiring

Strong farmes are the key to a self-determined, sustainable development. Social innovations can help make the farmers’ actual needs the benchmark.

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How the self-help approach empowers smallholder women

A report by INEF and Kindernothilfe

Supporting groups of smallholding women substantially contributes to strengthen rural operations economically. The organisation and associated group activities can help to reduce extreme poverty and improve the food situation.

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“They said: You can do it”

A contribution by Bread for the World

As President of the IABM cooperative in Muhanga, Alphonsine Mukankusi is not simply focused on the figures. She has learned how to deal with people and how to take on responsibility. At the same time, her work helps her to come to terms with the past

 

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How Smallholders became Commodity Suppliers

Small farmers are often left behind in African agriculture. Access to markets and improved competitiveness can only be achieved if the small farms join forces. But those affected in partner countries are often at a loss as to how to implement cooperative models. Here, the BMZ provides support through the SEWOH ONE World – NO Hunger initiative and the Social Structure Promotion (Sozialstrukturförderung).

A project by Deutscher Genossenschafts- und Raiffeisenverband e. V.

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‘Invite yourself’ – Farmers organisations as key stakeholders of food systems

A Contribution by Andreas-Hermes-Akademie

The Andreas Hermes Academy (AHA) discusses the transformation of food systems with 30 representatives of farmers organisations.

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How farmers are facing the crisis

A contribution by GIZ

Russia's war against Ukraine and its impact on food, energy and fertiliser prices is worrying farmers all over the world. Young farmers, farmer organisations and politicians from Kenya, Chad and Ukraine tell their stories and what keeps them in agriculture.

 

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“We have to focus on sustainability”

An interview with Karen Mapusua

Karen Mapusua, President of IFOAM Organics International Network, on the danger of the current fuel crises and inflation to loose track in sustainablity, why organic farmers should be heard and how the word “crisis” has a very different meaning where she lives in Fiji.

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Governor's Day with Farmers – For more discussion with local actors

A contribution by William Onura and Larissa Stiem-Bhatia

In agriculture it is important to include political stakeholders in the discourse. To build the bridge between practical application and political action, the think tank TMG launched the Governor's Day with Farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya. Now it took place for the second time. But what are the goals and benefits of the Governor's Day?

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Strengthening the market linkages of smallholders in the face of global supply shocks

A Contribution by Niladri Sekhar Bagchi

The consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have enabled many countries to open up new export markets for their agricultural goods. However, smallholder farms have been largely left out. Drawing on his experience in India, our author gives a brief overview of how this can be changed.

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Young farmers as custodians of transformation

An Interview with William Madudike

How can rural economies become viable and modern? William Madudike, youth representative of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) and a potato farmer himself, examines this question. He argues that the whole rural economy and actors from producers to consumers need to be considered. An interview on the initiative role of youth.

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Learning from Each Other

An Interview with Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi

Partnerships are needed to face the multiple shocks for food systems. This is what Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, president of the Agriculture Council Tanzania (ACT) and CEO of the Tanzanian Horticulture Association (TAHA) states.

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Where Goats Listen to the Radio

A Contribution by GIZ

German and Ugandan women farmers come together in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to exchange experiences – from modern milking systems to the challenges of women's participation in agricultural decision-making. Amid goats, lavender ice cream, and engaging discussions, one thing becomes clear: women can achieve great things together, across borders and generations.

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What is Our Food Worth to Us?

A Contribution by the TMG Think Tank for Sustainability

Towards integrated accounting standards in the food and farming sector with the help of True Cost Accounting (TCA).

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African Nutrition - 'Try It at Home'!

A Video Series by Agribusiness TV and GIZ

Share in the taste of African Nutrition – Try it at home! The mini-series showcases traditional, nutritious dishes across the African continent.

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The lessons learned from the last food crisis - A solution?

A Contribution by Agnes Kalibata

Inadequacy and fragility of food systems becomes more apparent with every food crisis. The question we must answer is “Where do we go from here?”

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What does it take to truly shift the paradigm on food systems?

An Interview by GDPRD

Why are short- and long-term responses important to address current and future global crises? Sebastian Lesch, Head of the Agriculture Division at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provides answers to these and other questions in an interview with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) and explains how much Germany welcomes all donors pulling together and acting in concert.

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How to govern food systems transformation

A contribution by Daniel Montas and Jan Rübel

The transformation of food systems is regarded as the new magic code, but effective strategies are lacking. A new group of experts discussed the prerequisites for efficiently managing this process. The experts representing politics, youth, civil society, farmers' organizations, private sector, and academia unanimously concluded: transformation is possible, but it needs a strong drive from within.

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When sustainability becomes part of the curriculum

A contribution by Jan Rübel

During the trade Grüne Woche, school classes visited the BMZ (German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), Brot für die Welt and Misereor. Each class spends one hour at their stand to learn about the global challenges posed by food systems. A review by Jan Rübel.

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David versus Goliath: Consequences of mainstream agricultural export commodities and niche products

An Artikel by the Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains (INA)

A study published by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) examines the differences between globally traded agricultural commodities and domestic niche products in terms of economic, environmental and social impact on the region of origin. The results provide new evidence to make supply chains more sustainable.  

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Organic certification as an opportunity for developing and emerging countries

An Interview with Dr. Julia Bellinghausen (IPD)

The Import Promotion Desk (IPD) accompanied organic producers from developing and emerging countries to Biofach. In an interview, Dr Julia Bellinghausen, head of the IPD, explains the importance of organic certification in export promotion.

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COVID-19 and Rising Food Prices: What’s Really Happening?

A Contribution by IFPRI

Taking a look at the data (as of February 11th 2022) what the current price hike means for world hunger and what can be done to prevent from another food crisis.

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Côte d’Ivoire: Sweet Temptation without a Bitter Taste

A Story by GIZ

Until Easter 2022, GIZ publishes a new episode every fortnight introducing people who are committed to fair and sustainable cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire and Germany.

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COP27: Agri-food systems in the focus of the climate discussion

Stephanie Heiland, Project Manager at Sector Project Agriculture and part of this year’s Observer Delegation of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) at COP27, shares her insights on the role of agriculture and food systems at the climate conference. Among other things, she reports from GIZ’s COP27 side event ‘Climate resilient agriculture and food systems in times of multiple crises and fragility’.

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The Key to Transforming Food Systems Lies in Inclusive Governance

A Contribution by Daniel Montas

Experts from Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Malawi came together to discuss inclusive governance in a workshop entitled "Inclusive Governance of Food Systems Transformation". Daniel Montas, TMG Research, on the findings.

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The Agri-Food Map: An interactive map to explore sustainable agri-food systems

A Contribution by GIZ

The complex interrelationships of the sustainable transformation of agricultural and food systems are not always easy to understand - the Agri-Food Map, an interactive online app, makes the comprehensive relations accessible by providing a wide range of comprehensibly prepared information.

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The UNFSS Stocktaking – shadow and a little light

A Contribution by Harry Hoffmann (TMG) & Nathalie Demel (WHH)

At the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda and two years after the UN Food System Summit 2021, a stocktaking moment was held in Rome to analyze the progress of countries on the commitments to action in transforming food systems. Dr Harry Hoffmann, TMG Think Tank, and Nathalie Demel, Welthungerhilfe, were on site and take stock as well.

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Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the African livestock sector

A Contribution by ILRI and GIZ

The production of animal-source foods is becoming increasingly difficult due to the impact of climate change on the livestock sector in Africa. Though, Livestock make a crucial contribution to food security in Africa. Three papers by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ, ILRI and World Bank analyze, how Africas future livestock sector can look like.

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Towards Climate Justice: Securing Women’s Land Rights for a Resilient Tomorrow

A Contribution by TMG

In the midst of global climate discussions, a resounding call emerges: Women's land rights must be the cornerstone of our climate actions. They're not just pieces of the puzzle; they form the foundation for true climate resilience. TMG Think Tank for Sustainability reports from the first African Climate Summit.

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New Podcast – Out now!

A Podcast by Food4Transformation

In a world facing crises – from pandemics, armed conflicts, and climate change – how do we ensure everyone has enough food within planetary boundaries? A new podcast by Food4Transformation discover solutions talking to government officials, scientists, NGOs and farmers around the world.

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The common thread is the importance of collaboration

A contribution by Scaling Up Nutrition Movement

It takes the joint efforts of diverse actors to achieve a transformative impact on the global food system. Barbara Rehbinder, Scaling Up Nutrition Movement (SUN), discusses four people-centred principles to get closer to this goal.

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Shu Wen Ng, the Clear-Sighted

An Interview with Shu Wen Ng

Shu Wen Ng is a health economist. She knows what is best suited to go on a plate. But how can this be achieved on a mass scale in countries with lower incomes? "The solutions to gett there already exist," she says, "but what is often missing is courageous leadership to implement them."

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Reforming agricultural policies to sustainably transform food systems

A Contribution by IFPRI

Global food systems are confronted with multiple stresses. It is more urgent than ever to make them more resilient, healthier and more sustainable. A key tool in such a transformation is reforming agricultural policies and repurposing agricultural support, as discussed in an online seminar co-organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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Sustainable and Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Motion – We’re on it!

A Contribution by Kah Walla

This year's network meeting of the Partners for Change (P4C), a network of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), took place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 26 and 27 June 2024. Kah Walla, moderator of the event and CEO of Strategies!, gives an insight into the key findings and learnings.

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Bioeconomy: Ready for a Joint Take-Off?

A Contribution by GIZ

The bioeconomy movement is fundamentally changing agriculture and food production: through innovative ideas, environmentally friendly approaches and the realization that we need to work together globally to ensure that change truly benefits everyone. At this years’ German Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) focused on this topic.

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With the power of fried bread

A contribution of Jan Rübel and Fabio Rappenecker

With a simple but effective idea to combat malnutrition: in Nairobi, Fabio Rappenecker and his start-up TenX Nutrition produce mandazi, which become a real power biscuit thanks to added micronutrients. The aim is to strengthen food security through local, affordable and healthy food.

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Everything is nothing without Soils

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

The international soil conference ‘Partners for Change - SOILutions for a Food Secure, Resilient, and Sustainable Future’ brought together almost 150 different stakeholders in Berlin from 20 to 22 May. Its aim: to take stock of existing conservation programmes and pave the way for the future.

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