1. How does the network benefit your organisation?
APF has been very useful for us. The APF partnership is in fact owned by its members and has therefore a very good convening power for organising support events, be it the expert meetings or discussions on current policy development. Through APF we have a very efficient and neutral medium to get people around themes like the World Bank report, climate and agriculture and so on.

2. Please give an example of a joint action, in which the APF network played a visible role.
The country focus trajectories are a good example of the facilitating role APF plays. This is particularly interesting and relevant, since it serves the purpose of more cooperation between the partners of the Dutch members of the network. Without APF it would be difficult to get this variety of organisations together at local level. It is also interesting to see that also non-Dutch affiliated organisations show interest in the process or even join the local network (notably IFAD, IFDC). Where and if possible the farmers’ organisations are encouraged to take the lead role at the local level, supported by one of the network members.

3. If you were in charge, what should the APF network look like in 5 years’ time?
Over time we hope that this way of working together and joining forces leads to a more effective and efficient approach to improve farmer entrepreneurship and contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic position of farmers, both men and women. Moreover, we hope that farmers’ organisations will be in a position where they can be solid actors in policy debates. We hope that the network empowers producers, the first link in the value chain, so that they receive fair prices for their produce.

4. How will your organisation contribute to the APF network in the next 2 years?
We will continue funding APF. Moreover we will support the network in achieving the goals in the countries where the network is active.

Contact: Aaltje de Roos

For more information please visit our website.