The Farmers' Dialogue is running a Capacity building course from 12 - 19 March in Kigali, Rwanda, for 30-40 people (from 20 countries) in charge of Farmers' Dialogue.

1. Farmers’ Dialogue – Aims

Farmers’ Dialogue is an associated program of Initiatives of Change (IofC) International. It aims to enable farmers:

• to share their experiences and plans for action to feed humanity,
• to focus on issues confronting farmers (sustainable farming, food quality, care for the environment, professional organization, eradication of poverty),
• to seek new ways and ideas to answer their problems,
• to be active and responsible partners in rural and agricultural development.

2. Farmers’ Dialogue achievements

Fifteen (15) International Farmers’ Dialogues have assisted in developing a network of Farmers throughout many countries globally and stimulated new approaches to farming.

Concrete examples (see communication documents) have shown how Farmers’ Dialogue has been a source of new vision, of new farming methods and a stimulation to implement sustainable practices, to develop professional organizations and to empower farmers to build partnerships in rural development.

Many Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) and governmental officials have shown great interest in the way Farmers’ Dialogue is giving a voice to the Farmers and assisting them to develop their sense of responsibility and commitment, in order to ensure adequate supplies of food in the world, while taking care of the soil and of the environment. It is obvious that the sustainability of any project depends on the commitment of those who run it. Farmers worldwide must be involved in planning if there is to be any chance of eradicating poverty.

3. Why a capacity building course? Why in Rwanda?
         Empowering Society and Investing into the future!

• Rwanda, a country on a new course and important to the region – support Rwandans in their desire to see the development of the vital ingredient of integrity in national life.
• Draw together our East African team to strengthen friendships between people in these countries (both Initiatives of Change and Farmers’ Dialogue).
• Strengthen and empower our team from 20 countries on all continents.
• Raise people’s understanding of and commitment to the developments needed – moral, spiritual and technical – for agriculture to fulfil its task of feeding everyone.
• To live in the perspective of the needs of future generations.

The rapid development of Farmers’ Dialogue over the last years exposed some needs:

• better coordination between those in charge of the program,
• deeper understanding of the roots and of the spirit of Farmers’ Dialogue,
• adequate training to empower those in charge of the program, for them to initiate and develop greater outreach with local farmers, in close coordination with government and professional organizations, NGOs and local authorities,

The decision to run a “Capacity Building Session” in Rwanda next March is directly linked with the growth of a team in that country. With their desire to organize an international Farmers’ Dialogue next year, the session in March will act as a training ground for the Rwandan team. This is seen as a way for the Rwandans to get to know the East African teams, and an occasion to build partnership with other farm organizations, in Rwanda and neighbouring countries.

The Farmers Dialogue approach can bring an essential element to development that complements practical training on farm management and technical skills: Farmers’ Dialogue is actively keen mobilizing farmers, to increase their motivations and commitment.

4. Potential effects of the Capacity building Session

• To equip and empower people leading Farmers’ Dialogue with tools to develop the program and to become self-initiators in their country or region
• To set up better coordination and organization and think out together a global strategy for Farmers’ Dialogue
• To give a voice to farmers and encourage policy-makers to listen to what farmers have to say
• To help Rwandan people committed to IofC and to Farmers’ Dialogue to grow in their understanding of the program and in their commitment to join in the efforts for rural and agricultural development, in Rwanda and in Africa, as they plan the international gathering for farmers
• To stimulate the process of cross-border exchanges between farmers in Africa, including French- and English-speaking Africa
• To develop partnerships with organizations already at work for rural development and contribute with a module of training for capacity building and empowering of farmers

5. Funding of the “Capacity building Session”

The coordination team has decided to finance the whole project, for the participants with little means. Requests for funding have been sent to a number of bodies and this continues.

At the moment, out of a total budget of 66 595 €, we are still searching for 44 000 €!

Any idea is welcome to make this project a strong investment into the future!

Claude Bourdin Email
Charles Danguy Email
Phil Jefferys Email
Jim Wigan Email