Chapter 13.1

13.1 -Forming Farmer Groups to Empower Subsistence Farmers

Sabrina Ghonem,University of Guelph, Canada

Suggested citation for this chapter.

Ghonem,S. (2022) Forming Farmer Groups to Empower Subsistence Farmers, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Introduction to Farmer Groups and Subsistence Farmers

As Rapsomanikis (2015) explained, there are numerous obstacles that impede smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia from maintaining their livelihoods. These farmers frequently work at this level since they do not have access to markets, financial services, or sophisticated farming methods (Rapsomanikis, 2015; Stringer et al., 2020). They consequently find it difficult to increase their income and productivity, which feeds the cycle of food insecurity and poverty (Rapsomanikis, 2015; Stringer et al., 2020). Establishing farmer groups is an excellent step forward since it promotes cooperation, information exchange, and group resource access (Ma et al., 2023; Rapsomanikis, 2015). By enabling smallholders to overcome their own obstacles and work together to solve shared problems, this strategy eventually improves livelihoods and resilience in rural communities (Ma et al., 2023; Rapsomanikis, 2015). Moreover, farmer groups play a crucial role in connecting rural communities with marketplaces, promoting understanding of market trends, and guaranteeing equitable market rates for farm products (Ma et al., 2023; Rapsomanikis, 2015). These organizations give farmers the chance to negotiate better terms, lessening their susceptibility to unfair market practices and improving their financial prospects (Rapsomanikis, 2015). They do this by using their collective negotiating strength. Thus, the establishment of farmer groups fosters sustainable development and prosperity among smallholder farming communities in Asia and Africa while also fortifying links within the community.

Benefits of Farmer Groups

With a focus on the major influence on women’s participation, forming farmer groups is a transformative technique for empowering subsistence farmers (Bryan et al., 2024). As Bryan and colleagues (2024) explained, particularly powerful are women’s farmer groups, which act as forums for projects aimed at developing skills, sharing resources, and making decisions that are inclusive of both genders. Through their active participation, these groups provide more equitable and sustainable development results - in addition to amplifying the voices and agency of women within the agricultural sector (Bryan et al., 2024).

Additionally, farmer groups are essential in helping subsistence farmers with their transportation needs (Loconto et al., 2016). By planning bulk purchases and arranging transportation, they streamline the logistics of obtaining inputs from urban areas (Loconto et al., 2016). These collectives also optimize distribution networks and collectively negotiate transportation contracts, which expedites the process of distributing farm commodities to urban markets (Loconto et al., 2016). Through the removal of logistical obstacles, farmer groups improve the economic prospects and resilience of their members by facilitating efficient access to vital inputs and profitable market possibilities (Loconto et al., 2016).

For farmer groups, sharing the cost of specialized equipment such as irrigation systems and tractors is a major benefit (Rapsomanikis, 2015). To put into perspective, an irrigation system can cost from $2000 to $7,000 USD, while a tractor might cost as much as $14,000 USD or more. Furthermore, costs for insecticides, fertilizer, and seeds are critical and range from $1500 USD to $3500 USD per hectare annually (Rapsomanikis, 2015). In order to meet these needs, farmer groups can combine their resources and encourage cost-sharing and accessibility among their members (Rapsomanikis, 2015). This cooperative strategy reduces financial burdens for all participants while also allowing investment in essential resources that improve agricultural sustainability and productivity (Rapsomanikis, 2015).

Moreover, as Loconto and co-workers (2016) have explained, the collective power of farmer groups encompasses larger initiatives for empowerment in addition to logistical assistance. Members rotate crops and pool resources through cooperative efforts, which efficiently diversifies risks related to unfavourable weather and market volatility (Bryan et al., 2024; Loconto et al., 2016). Moreover, farmer groups give its members a forum for exchanging ideas and developing their skills, equipping them with the knowledge needed to maximize farming methods, boost output, and successfully negotiate changing market conditions (Bryan et al., 2024; Loconto et al., 2016).

In addition to the economic advantages outlined, farmer groups offer a diversity of social benefits crucial for the empowerment of subsistence farmers, with a notable impact on women’s participation (Bryan et al., 2024; Filley, 2022; Reza et al., 2018). Farmer groups act as a buffer against social isolation, fostering a sense of community and support among members (Filley, 2022; Reza et al., 2018). Particularly for women, who often face social barriers and isolation, these groups provide a vital network for collaboration and empowerment (Bryan et al., 2024; Filley, 2022). Moreover, as Reza and colleagues (2018) along with Filley (2022) outlined, during critical times such as weeding and harvesting, labour-sharing within these groups ensures tasks are completed efficiently, reducing the burden on individual farmers, especially women who might already bear multiple responsibilities. Additionally, farmer groups serve as a social safety net, filling gaps left by inadequate government support, by offering shared childcare services and access to micro-finance and loans (Filley, 2022; Reza et al., 2018). By achieving economies of scale not only for purchasing but also in selling produce, these groups enhance the bargaining power of smallholder farmers in the market, thereby increasing their resilience to external shocks (Filley, 2022; Reza et al., 2018). Overall, the social benefits of farmer groups extend far beyond the economic realm, playing a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity, reducing isolation, and empowering marginalized farmers in rural communities (Filley, 2022; Reza et al., 2018).

Essentially, creating farmer groups is a comprehensive strategy for enabling subsistence farmers by providing them with the tools, resources, and networks of support required to escape the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term success (Filley, 2022; Loconto et al., 2016; Reza et al., 2018). These groups are essential in changing agricultural landscapes and promoting sustainable rural development as they promote inclusivity, harness community strength, and solve practical issues (Filley, 2022; Loconto et al., 2016; Reza et al., 2018).

Environment and Sustainability Benefits

As the FAO (2019) has thoroughly explained, in the agricultural industry, farmer groups are essential to advancing environmental sustainability. They promote resource-saving methods and waste reduction strategies through sustainable management practices, helping to preserve natural resources and lessen the harm done to the environment (FAO, 2019). Farmer groups show their dedication to long-term sustainability by implementing environmentally friendly farming practices and embracing technologies that reduce their negative effects on the environment (FAO, 2019). Furthermore, cooperative projects led by these groups help smallholders adjust to changes in the agricultural environment (FAO, 2019). Farmers may strengthen their resistance against climate change-related problems including unpredictable weather patterns and pest outbreaks by exchanging information, resources, and experiences (FAO, 2019). This cooperative strategy guarantees the sustainability of agricultural livelihoods in the face of changing environmental constraints while simultaneously promoting environmental responsibility (FAO, 2019).

How to Start a Farmer Group

To be functional and effective, farmer groups must go through a number of critical stages in the formation process. As Savage and colleagues (2023) have stated, farmers first gather to form the organization and define roles, goals, and requirements for participation. For sustainable development, cooperation and mutual support are essential, and this foundational stage creates the framework for them (Savage et al., 2023). Women’s farmer groups are especially important, due to how they empower their female members and promote gender-inclusive decision-making (Bryan et al., 2024).

As Savage and co-researchers (2023) explained, within farmer groups, cooperation is essential. Members work together on projects, pooling their resources, labour, and skills to accomplish shared goals (Savage et al., 2023). Consistent communication promotes cohesiveness and unity by facilitating the exchange of ideas, best practices, and group problem-solving (Savage et al., 2023). These groups also maximize access to profitable markets and necessary resources by planning transportation for the acquisition of supplies from cities and the sale of produce to urban markets, thereby addressing logistical issues (Savage et al., 2023).

To ensure efficient group management and decision-making procedures, the leaders must be identified (Savage et al., 2023). Techniques for obtaining extension information are also essential (Savage et al., 2023). Farmer groups gain important agricultural knowledge by using internet cafés or relatives with smartphones and internet connection, which increases resilience and output (Savage et al., 2023). In general, farmer groups are created through a dynamic process of cooperation, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization (Savage et al., 2023). This process is vital for resolving issues, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural growth (Savage et al., 2023).

Critical Analysis

In developing nations, establishing farmer groups involves greater labour, especially from women (Doss et al., 2011). Within these farmer groupings, women perform 60–70% of the labour in agricultural activities, which includes harvesting, processing, and information sharing (Doss et al., 2011; Palacios-Lopez et al., 2017). For instance, as Palacios-Lopez and co-researchers (2017) stated in their journal article, women handle up to 80% of the agricultural labour in sub-Saharan Africa. Their support is essential to farmer groups’ continued viability and efficient operation (Doss et al., 2011). To ensure that agricultural development projects are inclusive and effective, it is imperative to acknowledge and address the additional labour requirements, particularly those undertaken by women (Doss et al., 2011).

The limited resources available to smallholder farmers, such as monetary resources and technological infrastructure, might pose substantial difficulties to the establishment of successful farmer groups (FAO, 2017). As FAO (2017) elaborated, these restrictions may make it more difficult for these groups to create and operate, which can limit their capacity to overcome shared obstacles and accomplish goals as a group. Further complicating these challenges are elements like member distrust, competing goals, power imbalances, or geographic dispersion, which make farmer group creation unsuitable or ineffective (Schoneveld, 2022). Their efficacy is further hampered by these problems, which not only undermine group cohesiveness and cooperation but also result in inefficiencies and possible disputes (FAO, 2017; Schoneveld, 2022).

Smallholder farmer groups can investigate different strategies and potential solutions to tackle these complex issues. Establishing community resource centres or forming alliances with agricultural extension organizations, for example, can open doors for easier and efficient access to necessary supplies, information, and assistance (Ndlela & Worth, 2023). As Ndlela and Worth (2023) explained, farmer groups can overcome obstacles and improve their ability to solve problems as a group by utilizing external connections and village-level programs. In conclusion, these strategies support sustainable agricultural growth and enhance rural communities’ standard of living, creating the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Additional Information Links and Practical Resources to Get Started

Link to a manual on how to start forming, establishing, and strengthening farmer groups/organizations generally, as well as specifically in Asia: https://www.fao.org/3/W5830E/w5830e0n.htm

Link to a document on strengthening African farmers organizations and civil society organizations by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa: https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Events/DakAgri2015/Strengthening_Farmers_Organizations_and_Civil_Society_Organizations.pdf

A webinar panel discussing how farmer groups and co-operatives function, their environmental benefits, the community benefits, what the challenges are, and how they overcome these issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZFWaZteG2w

Link to an animated video by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations discussing farmer groups, their benefits, and showcases a story of fellow farmers in South Asia and how much of a massive positive impact they had on their community just through the formation of farmer groups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVJsWyn0y4

References

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2. Doss, C., Raney, T., Anríquez, G., Croppenstedt, A., Gerosa, S., Lowde, S., Skoet, J., & Matuscke, I. (2011). The role of women in agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 11. https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GB005021

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