250 people gathered for the official launch of Farmers Dialogue – Africa, Thursday 26 November, at the Africana Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. Present were representatives of the Farmers’ Dialogue in Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda, Britain and France, who gave evidence of the effect of farmers’ exchanges over the last 15 years.

In the audience were representatives of the government, the King of Buganda, support foundations and farming related bodies.

The aims of Farmers Dialogue, locally, nationally and internationally, were clearly expressed. The response of the audience showed its support for the objectives:

• to help farmers to renew their calling to feed humanity
• to empower farmers in expressing their commitment and vision for the future of agriculture
• to reduce poverty by creating peace at home and good production in the fields
• to exchange ideas in order to meet the challenges concerning water, soil, environment, needs for adequate food supplies.

One delegate described the Farmers’ Dialogue as the fuel that allows common people to achieve uncommon results.

Mr John Ntimba, former Ugandan Ambassador to India, officially launched the constitution of the African Farmers’ Dialogue. He summed up by underlining the concept of dialogue and integrity, he said policies were needed to give farmers a decent means of living.

Mr. Jamil Ssebalu, chairman of the new Association, informed all the participants about the next International Farmers’ Dialogue which is planned to take place in Uganda in May 2010.