Participation of farmers and their representative organizations in decision-making could also be ensured through policy dialogue processes that allow farmers and farmer representatives, including from a range of backgrounds and organizations or with specific expertise, to participate. Inviting organizations may want to pay special attention to the equal representation of women and men in order not to perpetuate existing inequalities. The results of such processes may be used to inform decision makers, such as relevant ministries.

Possible measures may include, for example, consultations between government, agricultural, civil society and research organizations and/or private sector representatives. They may be organized as roundtables, conferences, multi-stakeholder platforms, etc., as one-off events or on a regular basis.

They may serve to develop strategic agendas, accompany change processes, address challenges and needs or develop possible solutions to identified problems, including those relating to policies and legal frameworks.

Example(s) of possible measures:

  • Policy dialogue to facilitate farmers’ participation in decision-making (Malawi/Africa). Click here
  • ‘SNP Semences Normes et Paysans’, a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue and consultation between government, agricultural civil society and research to promote recognition of farmers’ seed systems (Mali/Africa). Click here
  • Information and participation processes for the implementation of Farmers´ Rights in Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Guatemala (Guatemala/Latin America and the Caribbean). Click here