Training Manual for Farmer Leaders at District level in EASTERN and Southern Africa

This training Manual for farmer leaders at the district level has been developed drawing on a wealth of knowledge and publications on empowering smallholder farmers. The primary goal of this comprehensive Manual is to enhance the capacity of farmer leaders to actively influence and participate in the development processes within the agricultural sector at the grassroots level.

Understanding the critical importance of agricultural strategies set forth at the continental level by the African Union, particularly through the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), this training is anchored in the principles of the CAADP and the long-term goals of Kampala Declaration 2026 – 2035.

This training equips smallholder farmers with the knowledge and responsibility to advocate for transparency and accountability in agricultural strategies and programs, enabling them to demand tangible results and meaningful changes at all levels—from grassroots, national levels and regional platforms like Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC). It empowers them to become influential voices in local development, ensuring their needs and priorities are reflected in agricultural policies and budgets. Additionally, the training fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, leading to more effective and equitable resource allocation, ultimately helping farmer leaders contribute to sustainable agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of their communities.

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