2014 is the UN International Year of Family Farming, to promote this sector and increase awareness about challenges facing family farmers who provide 70% of the world food production.
Recently, the General Assembly of the United Nations has formally declared 2014 to be the “International Year of Family Farming” (IYFF). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN was invited to facilitate its implementation, in collaboration with governments, international development agencies, farmers’ associations as well as relevant non-governmental organizations.
The goal of the 2014 IYFF is to reposition family farming and smallholder farming at the center of agricultural, environmental and social policies in the national agendas. The 2014 IYFF will promote broad discussion and cooperation at the national and global levels to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by smallholders and help identify efficient ways to support family farmers.Family farming is a means of organizing agricultural production that is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant of family labor, including both women and men.
Global facts indicate that 70% of the world food production is provided by family farmers and 40% of world households depend on family farming. It is at least twice more effective than other production sectors in the prevention of poverty. It has great potential in biodiversity protection, particularly in the conservation of local varieties (plants and animals). It provides food and employment to majority of men and women in most countries. Women contribute about 50% of agricultural labor force of family farms in developing countries.
Why is family farming important? Family and small scale farming are inextricably linked to world food security. They enable preserving traditional food products, while contributing to balanced diet and safeguarding the world’s agro-biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. They also represent an opportunity to boost local economies, especially when combined with specific policies aimed at social protection and well-being of communities. It is therefore important that parallel to food production there should be available food processing facilities as integral part of food production chain. Processing will guarantee better marketing opportunities and economic gains for farmer.
Where can family farming be done? family farming and smallholder farming can be practiced in most regions of the world when indigenous resources are utilized rationally. Even in desert zones specific types of farming can be done, including pastoralism as well as fish farming is possible when water,(fresh or brackish), is available.
Reduction of rural to urban migration: In order to deter rural to urban migration, family farms need to be protected, as the basis of rural society and social stability. All types of family farming, including agronomy, horticulture, silviculture, aquaculture, and apiculture, along with traditional plants and animals, all make up aspects of today’s family farm that need to be supported by governments and international funding agencies.
Organic farming: Organic farming needs to be encouraged in family farming practices. Organic farming as a natural way of farming will eliminate the use of agrochemicals. This will enable the production of high quality crops that will contribute positively to the health of consumers. On the other hand, organic farming will contribute to the enrichment of the biodiversity and preservation of local crops. It will produce far less amounts of greenhouse gases that affect the climate. Organic farming can be practiced anywhere, in backyards and in open fields.
Urban roof gardens: Even in densely populated urban areas farming can be done on the roofs that provide income for poor families and increase their food security. PVC barrels of size 100 to 200 liter capacity can be utilized as planting pots. When holes are opened on the outer side of these barrels and then filled with fertile soil, many plants can be grown there when plants are planted in the holes and irrigated with a drip irrigation system. More than 3-4 times more plants can be grown per unit area compared to conventional planting in fields. E.g. 150 plants (lettuce, strawberry, tomato, etc.) can be grown on per square meter roof. This will revolutionize the small-scale farming. If roofs are not available for farming, the vertical walls of the balconies can be utilized for growing plants in pots. The soils can be fertilized by compost that can be produced from scrap organic material that is generated at kitchens. Composting will enable more than 50% reduction in the quantity of solid waste produced at household level. Roof gardening will enhance the local environment.
Experience preservation: Experience is the most valuable family farming assets of all that needs preservation in these days. It is being lost due to rural to urban migration of family farmers; because of rising costs of agricultural inputs and lack of markets for crops.
Experience cannot be purchased; it should be preserved and transferred from old generation to young farmers. Modern society should be keen in the transfer of know-how in the management of family and small-holder farms.
Encouragement of voluntarism to get in touch with nature at family and smallholder farms: Many people plan for annual vacations but some cannot afford it. A great way to skip the crowds, save money, and get both children and adults in touch with agriculture and nature is to arrange for farm-stays. This offers to individuals and families the opportunity to directly support small-scale family farmers.
Participants spend a few days or weeks living with a host family and helping with tasks around the farm in exchange for free food and lodging. This would be a win-win measure for both parties and particularly for the urban youth who will embrace the experience of encountering with nature. Such agro-touristic activities should be encouraged in all regions, by governments and funding organizations.
The time to act: The rise of processed foods and a push for high yields, single-crop plantations, is leading to not only soil degradation, desertification and water scarcity, but also unhealthy consumers. Family and smallholder farmers are doing their best world over in supporting healthy communities through sustainable agriculture practices. And as eaters we all can do our part to support systems that protect both human health and the planet Earth.Proper eating habitscanindirectly play a big role in preserving the environment by helping to improve soil health, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all easy places to start making a difference. Being aware of the environmental costs that unsustainable eating practices can have on the environment and human health, we need to make proper food choices that are simple and healthier.