THE role of family farming is crucial in addressing Africa's food security and job creating, says New Partnership for Africa's development (NEPAD) programme director, Estherine Fotabong.
Mrs Fotabong said it is obvious that without organising and strengthening family farming, it is impossible to transform agriculture in africa.
She was speaking on Monday during a three day meeting aimed at strengthening the ability of farmers' organisations to effectively advocate for interests of family farming and small holder farmers in Johannesburg, South Africa.
"We are not only looking at family farming as a way of being food secure but also as away of creating jobs and managing natural resources, and for this to become a reality, we need to strengthen our activities and take action now," she said.
Giving reference to the Malabo declaration which took place in June this year, Mrs Fotabong said there is need for farmers organisation to commit themselves to action oriented activities.
The Malabo declaration is a document that seeks to accelerate agricultural growth and transformation in Africa.
And Southern African confederation of agricultural unions (SACAU) president Theo de jager says global demand for food is projected to surpass population hence the need for family farming to take Center stage.
Dr de Jager said SACAU believes that agriculture can play a much bigger role in creating food secure and create employment.
"As Africa, we need to take pride in farming and make it more rewarding , profitable and competitive," Dr de Jager.
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