1 min
In the 21st century, it is sad that smallholder farmers are still one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. As a general belief, farming is a risky business enterprise, where risks are solely borne by the farmers. Therefore, whenever there is a business failure, farmers could lose their livelihood completely. To bounce back from these shocks to economic stability is very difficult and a long process because of the lack of a social safety net.
Social safety refers to policies and programs that support individuals and families, manage risk and volatility, protect them from poverty and inequality, and help them to access economic opportunity. These policies include health insurance programs for farmers, pension programmes for farmers. food subsidies for farmers and subsidised loans for farmers, amongst others.
These incentives are made available for farmers facing difficulties or exposed to conditions that make them less productive or incapacitate them for agricultural activities. For instance, smallholder farmers are facing an outbreak of pests and diseases that are difficult to control, illness caused due to exposure to unfavourable weather or chemicals affecting old farmers or women farmers giving birth during production season etc. There are several activities that farmers are involved in that have a negative impact on their economic activities, and with a ripple effect on agricultural productivity. Thus, we need to address this current reality urgently towards achieving a food secure nation.
Therefore, there is a need for political willingness to implement policies for long term social safety programs for farmers on a case by case basis. This would help to build a more resilient food system - which helps farmers to bounce back from shocks quickly and also helps to secure future economic benefits for the farmers. In addition, a pension scheme for farmers should be mandatory to help farmers secure their future at old age. Farmers should not be compelled to work until death takes them away. We need more old farmers to stay alive in order to serve as a model to younger farmers. And at this old age, they need to enjoy the rewards of their early days supporting the food system of their country; they need to be fully compensated.
In conclusion, we need an effective food system where their actors are not impoverished but can show prosperity and be protected, and where vulnerability becomes fewer amongst the actors. We need an agricultural sector that gives equal economic benefits to those who put in the work and can protect them during their vulnerable states and bounce back faster. We need a food system with strong, resilient and shared prosperity for all.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
These incentives are made available for farmers facing difficulties or exposed to conditions that make them less productive or incapacitate them for agricultural activities. For instance, smallholder farmers are facing an outbreak of pests and diseases that are difficult to control, illness caused due to exposure to unfavourable weather or chemicals affecting old farmers or women farmers giving birth during production season etc. There are several activities that farmers are involved in that have a negative impact on their economic activities, and with a ripple effect on agricultural productivity. Thus, we need to address this current reality urgently towards achieving a food secure nation.
Therefore, there is a need for political willingness to implement policies for long term social safety programs for farmers on a case by case basis. This would help to build a more resilient food system - which helps farmers to bounce back from shocks quickly and also helps to secure future economic benefits for the farmers. In addition, a pension scheme for farmers should be mandatory to help farmers secure their future at old age. Farmers should not be compelled to work until death takes them away. We need more old farmers to stay alive in order to serve as a model to younger farmers. And at this old age, they need to enjoy the rewards of their early days supporting the food system of their country; they need to be fully compensated.
In conclusion, we need an effective food system where their actors are not impoverished but can show prosperity and be protected, and where vulnerability becomes fewer amongst the actors. We need an agricultural sector that gives equal economic benefits to those who put in the work and can protect them during their vulnerable states and bounce back faster. We need a food system with strong, resilient and shared prosperity for all.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
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