ESAFF Elects New Leadership to Strengthen Farmer Advocacy and Empowerment
Dar es Salaam, 28th March 2025. The Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF) unveiled its new leadership during the Triennial General Summit (TGS), the organizations high decision-making body that brought together over 35 smallholder farmers from across Eastern and Southern Africa. The event marked a key moment for the organization, as it set forth a bold vision to capacitate smallholder farmers through advocacy, partnerships and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Leading the charge is the newly elected Chairperson, Ms. Diane Sibanda from Botswana, expressed her deep appreciation to the members for their trust. “I am humbled and inspired by this opportunity,” Sibanda said. “Our vision is to empower smallholder farmers, ensuring our voices resonate on regional, continental and global platforms.” Under her stewardship, ESAFF aims to amplify its mission by advocating for farmers’ visibility and influence worldwide, while fostering strategic alliances to strengthen support for its goals.
The summit highlighted ESAFF’s remarkable growth, with membership expanding across Eastern and Southern Africa. A key focus of the new leadership is inclusivity, with more women stepping into prominent roles.
The new leadership team includes Ms. Rachel Mathabathe from South Africa as Vice Chairperson, Mr. Brian Jere from Malawi as General Secretary, and Mr. Hajasoanirina Rakotomandimby from Madagascar as Treasurer. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to advancing ESAFF’s mission.
The outgoing Chairperson Mr. Hakim Baliraine Hakim congratulated the newly elected officials and underscored the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership.
“Being a leader is not something to be taken for granted; it is a responsibility that requires commitment, oversight, and dedication,” Hakim stated. He commended all candidates who contested for positions and urged the new team to work towards consolidating ESAFF members, emphasizing unity and collective action to champion smallholder farmers’ rights.
Hakim further assured his cooperation with the new leadership, highlighting the importance of continuity and collaboration in strengthening ESAFF’s work.
With its sights set on global recognition, ESAFF plans to leverage regional and international platforms to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit smallholder farmers. The organization’s growth and renewed focus on collaboration position it as a powerful force for change in the agricultural landscape.
As the summit concluded, Ms. Sibanda’s message was one of unity and resolve: “This is a new chapter for ESAFF. Together, with our partners and members, we will build a future where smallholder farmers are not just participants, but leaders in shaping their destiny.”
The new leadership transition marks a fundamental moment for ESAFF, reaffirming its dedication to empowering farmers, amplifying their voices and shaping policies that promote sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty in the region.
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ESAFF Communications
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