Ever wondered what farmers in Africa complain about? Well, having worked with both large and small-scale farmers in East Africa, I can tell you it's exactly the same as here - the weather's never right and prices are too low.
There is a big difference of course. If the grain market here slumps, we might have to tighten our belts but our kids won't go hungry.Too much rain in the UK might mean a washed out harvest, but it won't be life or death - in Africa it could mean just that - we've all seen the pictures on the TV.
I'm Farmers Weekly's Business editor and next Friday (16 March), I'll be going back to Africa to visit The Gambia, one of the world's least-developed countries. I'll be looking at a project run by UK charity Concern Universal that aims to create a reliable income for local farmers and provide them with a sustainable future.
I'll also be asking Gambian farmers, politicians and academics how subsidies for farmers in the world's richest countries could be harming those in the poorest.
You can follow my trip around the country here (click on the Gambia category on the right of the Food for Thought homepage), but you can also ask your own questions. If there's anything you want to know about farming in Africa, or maybe even how you can help farmers in a country where the average income is only 50p a day, simply post a comment on this blog and I'll do my best to find the answer.
Comments (6)
I'd be interested to know how the Gambian farmers feel about GM technology - a threat or an answer to their prayers?
Comment left on March 13, 2007 9:02 AM
Posted on March 13, 2007 09:02
I would be interested in knowing how much of the farming out there is subsistence?
Also what their capacity is like to grow enough to sell?
Look foward to reading the articles.
Comment left on March 13, 2007 10:32 AM
Posted on March 13, 2007 10:32
I would be interested to learn just how aware Gambian farmers are of farming practices outside of Gambia? outside of Africa? Are they aware of government subsidies? What impact do they feel subsidies (anywhere in the world) have for themselves?
Comment left on March 13, 2007 8:27 PM
Posted on March 13, 2007 20:27
What is the mood typically like among Gambian farmers? It strikes me they face some extraordinarily large problems - is this reflected in their attitude or are they, in fact, quite positive?
Comment left on March 16, 2007 3:44 PM
Posted on March 16, 2007 15:44
I visited Gambia 18 months ago and was thrown in at the deep end not the tourist destinations. The people their are fantastic very hard working for a pittance the average wage is £30.00 a month staple diet is fish and rice, Super markets are exploiting Gambian farmers when the fill their shelves with organic food from poor 3rd world countries,
FAIR TRADE my arse. The farmers do not stand a chance without recieving fair prices for their produce.The reason it is organic is that there is no mechanisation at all and if it were there is no way Tractors and implements could be used every thing is cultivated and maintained by hand in sweltering heat and humidity.
Their Gov't is corrupt and only interested in feathering their own nest,I suppose nothing different to own shower, one thing they must never do is ask Mrs Beckett for advice, that would finish them off completely.
These are a wonderful people who I admire for their courage and friendliness. One day I hope they will be treated fairly, sooon I hope.
Comment left on March 30, 2007 11:05 AM
Posted on March 30, 2007 11:05
We want to do fairtrade business with GM cottonfarmers in Basse, we have been there many times, talked to a lot of people there. But we still need information. Are there any organisations at all, who supports fair trade cooperation in GM? Many danish organisations supports other african countrys, but not GM.
Can u give us any advice?
We need all the help we can get, and will keep on searching, until we find find the information we need.
Comment left on April 22, 2007 4:23 PM
Posted on April 22, 2007 16:23