The Nkuzi Development Association convened a dialogue between small scale farmers, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agriculture Sector Education Training Authority (AgriSETA) on March 7 2019.
This dialogue is a follow up of a Land Network National Engagement Strategy (LandNNES) farmers engagement held in December 2018. LandNNES is a country process, set in motion by the International Land Coalition (ILC) which works to influence the development and implementation of people centred land policies and programmes in South Africa.
15 people (10 women and 5 men) from farmers organisations, government departments, agricultural agencies and Nkuzi staff attended the session.
The dialogue is part of LandNNES’ efforts to influence the review of land redistribution and access policy frameworks and programmes. Via this forum, Nkuzi raised awareness on women’s land rights.
Below are some key achievements of the dialogue session:
- Farmers received information on varied farming activities and practices;
- Participants received information on support programmes existing within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development;
- Participants received information on the different farmer support initiatives available at AgriSETA, the Department of Trade and Investment and other government departments;
- Information shared on how local farmers could access support by connecting with commercial farmers;
- Participants made the commitment to follow up on specific farmer’s cases; and
- The event raised awareness on the Kilimanjaro Rural Women’s Charter of Demands.