Word from Chairperson

Greetings to all our members, partners, and stakeholders,

It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into the role of Chairperson of the Eastern and Southern Africa Smallholder Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF). My name is Ms. Diane Sibanda, and I am humbled to lead this vibrant organization at a pivotal moment in its journey. As we look to the future, my vision is clear: to see smallholder farmers across Eastern and Southern Africa fully capacitated—equipped with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. This vision is not just a dream; it is a call to action that will guide our work as we advocate for and empower those who feed our communities and nations.

At the heart of ESAFF’s mission is advocacy. We are committed to amplifying the voices of smallholder farmers on regional, continental, and global platforms. By engaging with policymakers, development partners, and international forums, we aim to ensure that ESAFF is not only known but respected as a powerful force for change. Our goal is to make smallholder farmers visible—recognized for their invaluable contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic development. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with like-minded organizations, governments, and private sector players, we will strengthen our efforts to turn this vision into reality.

Under my leadership, ESAFF will prioritize growth—both in our impact and our membership. We are dedicated to expanding our reach across Eastern and Southern Africa, welcoming more smallholder farmers into our fold and building a stronger, more inclusive network. This growth will be underpinned by a commitment to diversity and empowerment. I am particularly passionate about seeing more women rise into leadership roles within ESAFF and the broader agricultural sector. Women are the backbone of smallholder farming, and their voices must be heard at every level of decision-making. Similarly, we will work tirelessly to empower our youth, ensuring they are not only participants but visible leaders shaping the future of agriculture and our organization.

Our journey forward will also focus on strengthening the foundations of ESAFF. This means enhancing our advocacy tools, deepening our partnerships, and investing in the capacity of our members. From grassroots initiatives to high-level policy dialogues, we will champion the rights of smallholder farmers to access land, seeds, markets, and technology. By doing so, we aim to create a ripple effect—improving livelihoods, fostering resilience, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

I invite all our members, partners, and supporters to join hands with us as we embark on this ambitious path. Together, we can build an ESAFF that stands as a beacon of hope and progress for smallholder farmers across the region and beyond. Let us work collaboratively, with determination and unity, to transform challenges into opportunities and aspirations into achievements.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this cause. Together, we will sow the seeds of change and reap a harvest of prosperity for all.

Warm regards,

Ms. Diane Sibanda

ESAFF Chairperson