Education Specialist
CIHEAM - Options Mediterraneennes
The Role of Farmers and Farmers' Organizations
Rashid Pertev Mediterranean Committee of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP), Paris (France)
Abstract. The effective functioning of an agricultural research and extension system requires not a linear, but a triangular arrangement between research institutions, extension and training agencies and farmers' organizations. The presence of strong and representative farmer's organizations and their formal recognition as partners in research and extension is therefore an essential basis for agricultural and rural development in the Mediterranean Region, with particular reference to its eastern and southern sub-regions. Time for such a partnership is also opportune, especially with the establishment and consolidation of the IFAP Mediterranean Committee, where farmer's organizations are ready to take the lead and cooperate on many of the vital issues for the region. Key words. Rural development – Extension – Farmers' organizations – Mediterranean – Agricultural policy – Nongovernmental organizations – Development agencies – Sustainable agriculture – Environment.
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the fundamental concepts relating to farmers and farmers’ organizations, to give an outline of farmer structures, especially with respect to the purpose and objectives of the IFAP Mediterranean Committee, and to summarize farmer perspectives and policy relating to agricultural research and extension.
I – Fundamental Concepts
1. Importance of Farmers’ Voice
If there is one principal lesson farmers can draw from history, it is the following: that, when farmers are not strong, many sections and sectors of the society are ready not only to tell the farmers what they should do, but even worse, to speak on their behalf. This historical recurrence is often all in good faith. Most ministries, political parties, associations, promotional
The Role of Farmers and Farmers' Organizations
Rashid Pertev Mediterranean Committee of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP), Paris (France)
Abstract. The effective functioning of an agricultural research and extension system requires not a linear, but a triangular arrangement between research institutions, extension and training agencies and farmers' organizations. The presence of strong and representative farmer's organizations and their formal recognition as partners in research and extension is therefore an essential basis for agricultural and rural development in the Mediterranean Region, with particular reference to its eastern and southern sub-regions. Time for such a partnership is also opportune, especially with the establishment and consolidation of the IFAP Mediterranean Committee, where farmer's organizations are ready to take the lead and cooperate on many of the vital issues for the region. Key words. Rural development – Extension – Farmers' organizations – Mediterranean – Agricultural policy – Nongovernmental organizations – Development agencies – Sustainable agriculture – Environment.
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the fundamental concepts relating to farmers and farmers’ organizations, to give an outline of farmer structures, especially with respect to the purpose and objectives of the IFAP Mediterranean Committee, and to summarize farmer perspectives and policy relating to agricultural research and extension.
I – Fundamental Concepts
1. Importance of Farmers’ Voice
If there is one principal lesson farmers can draw from history, it is the following: that, when farmers are not strong, many sections and sectors of the society are ready not only to tell the farmers what they should do, but even worse, to speak on their behalf. This historical recurrence is often all in good faith. Most ministries, political parties, associations, promotional