"Voice for social security and Respect"

Peasant Forum 2080 and Smallholder Farmer Conference  

Introduction: The Peasant Forum (Small Farmers Forum) E vent has envisioned as a common platform that brings together small-scale farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and celebrate the invaluable contributions of small farmers to the agro-economy of Nepal.  About 70 percent of farmers in Nepal are small farmers. Nepal's agricultural economy is mostly holding up by small farmers' contribution. In this scenario, empowerment of small farmers and discussion on their issues is quiet crucial need of the day. This event aims to shed light on the pivotal role of small farmers that play in sustaining agriculture and preserving biodiversity for ensuring rights to food. This event has been planned for 16th February, 2023. NFGF is going to organizing Peasant Forum 2080 under Land, Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, Agro-Eco;ogy, Energy and Natural Resorce. During World Social Forum (WSF) in Nepal. National Farmers Group Federation-NFGF national assembly will be also adjoined with this event.

II. Objectives:

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and discussion on best practices among small farmers to enhance productivity and safety.
• Awareness Building: Raise awareness about the significant contributions of small farmers to the agro-economy and biodiversity conservation.
• Policy Discussion: Provide a platform for policymakers to engage with small farmers and experts to formulate policies that address the challenges faced by small-scale agriculture and farmers during use of local technology.
• Network Building: Foster collaboration and networking opportunities among small farmers, agricultural researchers, and stakeholders for uncovering issues at wider level. NFGF national executive will be form/reformed up with this event.

III. Event Components:

Day 1^st 16 Feb 2024

• Thematic Session Title:  peasant forum of 250 Participant   “ Policy, practices, contribution and issues on Agro-economy and agro-biodiversity in global.

Theme 1: Agro biodiversity and agro economy global agenda and practices

 Questions:

• How is  Agro biodiversity and agro- economy issues in global specifically smallholder perspective?
• How does this connectivity influence smallholders’ agendas?
• What are the potential consequences on downstream the issues in communities and agro- ecosystems?

Theme II : Policy, practices, and political agenda

• Global and Nepal Policy and practices?

• Contribution and issues of peasant
• What are the consequences of policy localization and systemic change?

Potential Speakers:  need to be finalized

1.  Mr. Shashank Bibhu, Farmer Field Business School manager CARE USA

2.  Mr/Mis. National, Academia

Session Modalities:

Modality 1:

• Each speaker will make 10 -12-minute intervention/ presentation on the above themes.
• Followed by Questions and Answers

Modality 2: Moderated Panel Discussion

• Each panel speaker will be assigned and informed to speak on one of the above themes in the discussion.
• The moderator will ask the questions to the panel speakers one after another.
• Followed by Questions and Answers

Day 2^st 17 Feb 2024

1. Farmer March: Farmer march with the participant of 300 Farmer from all district of Nepal
2. Inaugural Session:
   • Welcome Address: Formal Program
   • Opening: Chief Guest, Guests, Participation
   • Keynote Speech: 1. Farmers issues 2. Sustainable Agriculture, 3.  Safe Production 4. Climate justice  5. Policies, Acts and Programs 6. Food and Nutrition

• Farmer’s session
• Social audit/public hearing
• Opportunities for participants to interact, share experiences, and build networks, NFGF national assembly form/reform.
• Networking and announcement Sessions: Announcement publicity with the participation with Media and submission to the WSF committee .  

IV. Expected Outcomes:

Enhanced Knowledge and empowerment: Participants gain global insights  into policy provision and practices, environment friendly farming practices and the economic impact of small-scale agriculture.

1. Policy Recommendations: Identification of policy measures to support and promote small farmers, subsidy and programs for smallholders.
2. Network Growth: Strengthening smallholders network, NFGF national executive committee form/reform.
3. Increased Awareness: WSF participants' greater opportunity for knowing agriculture practices in Nepal and public awareness about the significance of small farmers in sustaining agriculture and biodiversity.

V. Conclusion: The Smallholders Forum Event seeks to be a catalyst for positive change in the agriculture sector by recognizing and promoting the contributions of small farmers and aligning with other sectors. Through insightful paper presentations, interactive discussions, and practical workshops, the event aims to empower small farmers and create a safer, sustainable and inclusive agricultural future.

World Social Forum 2024 Nepal, Kathmandu

"Another World is Possible"

Activity no :76

Peasants Forum

16th February 2024

We, the leaders of Small Farmers and the Peasants Rights Activist assembled in Kathmandu  in the World Social Forum from February 15 to 19, 2024, representing diverse voices and perspectives from around the globe, solemnly declare our unwavering commitment to advancing the empowerment of  peasants of Nepal and world, Acknowledging the pivotal role of Nepali peasants in the sustainable development of our nation,  acknowledging the critical situation in agriculture created by the massive youth migration to abroad, recognizing our genuine and critical status within our society and In light of this recognition, we pledge our unwavering solidarity and steadfast support to the journey of Nepali peasants towards prosperity and stability.

Expressing our profound gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of all the supporters, contributors, activists and promotors from national and international organizations and networks, recognizing their tireless efforts on the ground are instrumental in addressing the pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by peasants who have been serving  as beacons of hope, actively promoting farmers' rights, fostering community resilience, championing human rights, and driving sustainable development initiatives forward.

Therefore, with deep conviction and resolve, we hereby declare:

1. To break the corporate concentration in agriculture: We will work together to break the corporate concentration in agriculture means to address and mitigate the dominance and controlled by large corporations over the agricultural sector. This concentration often results in detrimental effects on small-scale farmers, local communities, biodiversity, and the environment as a whole.

2. For the access  and Use of natural resources (such as land, water, forests): We will work to ensure Nepalese peasants' access to natural resources like land, water, and forests, policies should prioritize equitable distribution and sustainable management, empowering local communities for long-term resilience and prosperity.

3. For social security and dignified life of Nepalese Peasants': We will be together for the guarantee the social security and dignified livelihoods of Nepalese peasants, comprehensive policies should be enacted, ensuring minimum wages, access to healthcare, education, and social safety nets, safeguarding their well-being and contributions to society.

4. To promote the Sustainable food system practices:  We will fight together in promoting a sustainable food system entail prioritizing local and Indigenous agricultural practices, local seed system strengthening and preservation, fostering biodiversity, and reducing reliance on industrialized methods, thereby ensuring resilience, cultural preservation, and equitable food access for all. We will also work together to establish national/ international level marketing of Peasants production.

5. To promote local and Indigenous practices: We will be together to advance sustainable agriculture and food systems, it's imperative to elevate local and Indigenous practices, incorporating traditional wisdom and community-centric approaches, fostering resilience, biodiversity, and equitable development for future generations. We will fight together to reduce climatic impacts to the Peasants whole livelihood.
6. To move ahead on localization issues and systemic change with the citizen participation: Moving forward on localization issues and systemic change necessitates active citizen participation, fostering inclusive governance structures that empower communities to shape policies, promote grassroots initiatives, and drive sustainable development agendas towards locally rooted solutions. We will work together to formalize the agriculture from informal sector with full of strengthening support.   

7. To campaigning National and International Declarations related to Peasants rights: Campaigning for both national and international declarations on peasants' rights involves advocating for equitable agricultural policies and protections, ensuring fair access to land, resources, and dignified livelihoods for rural farming communities worldwide.

8. Gender based recognition and contribution of women:  Recognizing the pivotal role and invaluable contributions of women farmers within the agricultural and food systems is important in fostering sustainable development and gender equality. Including women farmers in policy-making, local level planning  and resource allocation processes is essential to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed adequately. Particularly, women farmers often face unique challenges such as lake of access to land, financial and technological resources, which hinder their full participation in agricultural activities. We declare the important role of women farmers empowerment and  shall advocate for the assess upon source of information,  in Nepal's agriculture/food system and solemnly declare our unwavering commitment to advancing the empowerment of Nepali peasants particularly/including women peasants.”

9. The declaration should consider including pointers around the Extension System: It is crucial to incorporate the information system and technology emphasizing the necessity for the small holder farmers specially focus on women. Landscape of Nepal demands a shift towards holistic approaches on production-oriented guidance. Peasants, especially women, require support systems that address not only crop yields but also encompass aspects such as sustainable farming practices, political leadership, market access, financial accessibility, and socio-economic empowerment. Women are needed to equip with the knowledge and resources to maximize their agricultural potential.

Signatories:

National Farmer's Group Federation (NFGF), Nepal  

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/803

CARE Nepal

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/1016

VSO Nepal

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/4747

ActionAid International Nepal

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/828

ADRA- Nepal

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/5713

CRS  

( double check this one) https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/1485

Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD) https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/1382

SAHAS- Nepal 

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/157

World Vision International Nepal

Home net Nepal

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/70

………………………………………………………….

National Farmers Group Federation Nepal (NFGF),

Email: nfgfnepal@gmail.com, website: www.nfgf.org.np,