Background
For many years already, Agriterra has been committed to supporting farmers and their organisations, on one hand, by offering financial support. On the other hand, Agriterra initiates one-on-one partnerships between Dutch farmers and their colleagues in the developing world in order to share the know-how and experience of Dutch farmers.
This approach, named ‘Farmers Fighting Poverty’ proves to be effective. It contributes to direct poverty reduction. The farmers’ organisations supported by Agriterra have become more professional. They offer important services to their members and carry out lobbying activities on their behalf. The income of the participating farmers, 41% of whom are women, has increased considerably.
Agriterra offers direct farmer-to-farmer support without any additional layer between the donors and the target group. Farmers are well organised nowadays and contacts can be established with practically any village near or far. Still, governments continue to spend their money for a good part through the old channels. It is time for a change. If world leaders are serious about transforming their statements into concrete action, ‘Farmers Fighting Poverty’ offers an ideal way to do this.
Rich nations accused of failing to keep their African aid promise (The Independent, 26 june 2010)
The Independent writes: "Leaders of the richest nations were accused yesterday of abandoning their historic pledge to double aid to Africa and the world's other poorest countries, made at the Gleneagles summit five years ago."