Has the health, economic and social crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic transformed farmers’ organizations (FOs)? What roles have they been called upon to play in response to the crisis? This study produced by IFAD and written by Vital Pelon (individual member of Inter-réseaux) based on qualitative interviews with more than 30 FOs around the world sought to answer these questions.
The POs were both weakened and strengthened by the crisis created by COVID-19. Weakened, because nothing is more contrary to the associative dynamic than physical distancing. Strengthened, because they were able to show that they were an indispensable tool in the hands of rural populations and a valuable partner of the authorities and technical and financial partners in dealing with crises. Thanks to their proximity to farmers and producers, FOs were able to reach and support rural populations at a time when circulation was highly restricted. The FOs have thus gained a lot of visibility and legitimacy in the eyes of their members and partners. However, a big question remains: will these changes be sustainable? Will food systems gradually evolve towards more resilient models, in which FOs will have a greater role?
This publication was translated into English by Holden Ferry (Inter-réseaux’s partner translator).
