How farmers are facing the crisis

Claudia Jordan
Russia's war against Ukraine and its impact on food, energy and fertiliser prices is worrying farmers all over the world. Young farmers, farmer organisations and politicians from Kenya, Chad and Ukraine tell their stories and what keeps them in agriculture.

 

 

Farmers from different regions report how they have fared since the outbreak of the war of aggression and what gives them strength. ©reinout_dujardin1

By Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a globally active provider of international cooperation for sustainable development. It has more than 50 years of experience in a wide range of fields.  

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Ich bin ein Alternativtext
Daniel Mwendah M'Mailutha is the director of the Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF). ©GIZ, 2023

Daniel Mwendah M'Mailutha reports that there has not been such a crisis in Kenya for decades. The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) is himself a dairy farmer. Some of his colleagues had to close their farms – the costs for production had become too high. Pastoralists lost all their animals due to droughts and the additional famine, mainly in the northeast of the country. Poultry and pig farmers have closed their farms because they could no longer bear the 200 to 300 percent increase in costs. "The suffering has been immense and it continues," he says. Together with the government, KENAFF is looking for ways at local and national level to stabilize prices, especially for agricultural goods. In addition, the organisation provides farmers with training in business development, helps them negotiate prices and provides financial support for agricultural goods such as fertilisers.

 

The prices of food and agricultural goods had already risen before Russia's war against Ukraine. But the war drove up prices and thus exacerbated the food crisis. One person who has experiences the war first-hand is the young farmer and agronomist Oleh Zahorodnii. The 24-year-old farmer has his farm in the north of Ukraine, in an area, where no fighting is currently taking place. But he is in contact with those farmers who live in the war zones. "There are rocket hits and bombardments there every day. Another problem is mines lying in the fields. It takes a lot of money, time and personnel to remove them," says the farmer. He himself grows sunflowers, wheat and soybeans on his farm. But also medicinal plants as purple coneflower and common marshmallow are included.

 

Ich bin ein Alternativtext
Oleh Zahorodnii is a young farmer and agronomist in northern Ukraine. ©GIZ, 2023

As an agronomist, he also works for a seed company in the center of the country. They work together with small farmers and farmers with up to 500,000 hectares of land.
Logistics and transportation have become complicated and expensive, as have fertilisers and other materials. "It would be easier to say what farmers don't need," says Mykola Solskyi, Ukraine's Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food. Germany was already doing a lot at all levels for the population of Ukraine, he acknowledges, for example by donating electricity generators. At the same time, lower prices for the transport of grain and sufficient credit are important for farmers. "Above all, however, this war must end," says the minister.

"The farmers want to work and they do it where they can," stresses Oleh Zahorodnii. "They are incredible, even the young women farmers are incredibly strong."

 

And he adds: "It is our country, our home. As long as we live, we work in our fields."

 

Ich bin ein Alternativtext
Kolyang Palebele is President of the Pan African Farmers Organisation (PAFO). ©GIZ, 2023

In addition to the war in Ukraine, there are other conflicts on the African continent that threaten food security. This is pointed out by the president of the Pan-African Farmers’ Organisation (PAFO), Kolyang Palebele, himself from Chad. "Conflicts prevent farmers from going to their fields because they are afraid of Islamist sects like Boko Haram." Many farmers therefore left their villages. In addition, there are the effects of climate change. "African agricultural policy must take into account all the challenges of today's world, make concrete proposals and help producers to overcome all these challenges," he said.

 

Farmers’ organisations such as PAFO could support governments in this. Many political concepts are outdated, says Palebele, "they were developed ten years ago and sometimes are no longer adapted to today's situation". That is why it is important to modernise agricultural policy in African countries, agriculture as a whole. For example, with the expansion of transport routes, better storage conditions and the training of farmers in digital technologies and the marketing of their products. With the supply shortages that go along with the Ukraine crisis, farmers would also have to return to old production methods and create natural products themselves. For example, fertiliser from cow and goat manure.

 

"Back to agroecology. That's our system," Palebele concludes.

 

Ich bin ein Alternativtext
Huldah Too Chelangat is a Kenyan farmer and works in the youth programme of the Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF). ©GIZ, 2023

"For me, farming is something I feel connected to," says Huldah Too Chelangat. The 30-year-old Kenyan grows maize, potatoes, onions and tomatoes on her land. Certainly, times are hard: "With the high prices caused by Russia's war against Ukraine, we have seen that revenues no longer cover production costs." Climate change is also causing particular problems for female farmers. "If it doesn't rain for a long time, they have to walk even longer distances to get water for themselves.

 

"When I produce my own food, I know how it was made and that it is safe. The fact that I can help feed the nation drives me in agriculture."

 

In order to inspire even more young people about agriculture, Huldah works in the youth program of the Kenyan farmers’ organisation KENAFF. There, they offer young farmers training, mentoring and exchange programs as well as internships to develop professionally. "They can exchange ideas with successful young farmers and see that you can also make a career in agriculture," says Huldah. Daniel Mwendah, CEO of KENAFF, explains why this is important. "Most farmers in Kenya are old. Statistics speak of an average age of 65 years. We are concerned about that." At the same time, he sees great potential in the agricultural sector in Kenya. "It can create jobs and wealth," says the Kenyan.

 

For Huldah, her path in agriculture is clear. But she also knows that she doesn't want to walk it alone. "As an individual, it is difficult to represent one's own interests. But when farmers come together in an organisation, they are heard." Farmers’ organisations such as PAFO and KENAFF are therefore supporting their members to have a greater political impact. "Farmers should have a say when it comes to the transformation and sustainability of food systems," emphasizes Daniel Mwendah from KENAFF. "This is the only way they can feed a growing population. Not only now, but also in the future."

 

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The lessons learned from the last food crisis - A solution?

A Contribution by Agnes Kalibata

Inadequacy and fragility of food systems becomes more apparent with every food crisis. The question we must answer is “Where do we go from here?”

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Two hands hold a bowl filled with diverse African root vegetables and corn on a dirt background.

What does it take to truly shift the paradigm on food systems?

An Interview by GDPRD

Why are short- and long-term responses important to address current and future global crises? Sebastian Lesch, Head of the Agriculture Division at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provides answers to these and other questions in an interview with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) and explains how much Germany welcomes all donors pulling together and acting in concert.

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A worker in a green shirt and red hard hat operates a control panel in a rural industrial setting.

"Human capital will play a pivotal role in the transformation of African economies"

A contribution by Ben Leyka

The potential the African food sector holds is still far too strongly associated with the continent’s natural resources, Ben Leyka maintains. He seeks to change this with the African Agri Council.

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A panel discusses food system transformation at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2023, with a speaker at the podium.

How to govern food systems transformation

A contribution by Daniel Montas and Jan Rübel

The transformation of food systems is regarded as the new magic code, but effective strategies are lacking. A new group of experts discussed the prerequisites for efficiently managing this process. The experts representing politics, youth, civil society, farmers' organizations, private sector, and academia unanimously concluded: transformation is possible, but it needs a strong drive from within.

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A group of children with backpacks attentively listen to a woman explaining the chocolate-making process at an educational fair.

When sustainability becomes part of the curriculum

A contribution by Jan Rübel

During the trade Grüne Woche, school classes visited the BMZ (German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), Brot für die Welt and Misereor. Each class spends one hour at their stand to learn about the global challenges posed by food systems. A review by Jan Rübel.

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A tugboat guides a massive cargo ship loaded with colorful containers across the ocean, symbolizing David vs Goliath.

David versus Goliath: Consequences of mainstream agricultural export commodities and niche products

An Artikel by the Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains (INA)

A study published by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) examines the differences between globally traded agricultural commodities and domestic niche products in terms of economic, environmental and social impact on the region of origin. The results provide new evidence to make supply chains more sustainable.  

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Visitors enter the Nürnberg Messe 2022 for the BioFach22 event, showcasing organic food and natural beauty products.

Organic certification as an opportunity for developing and emerging countries

An Interview with Dr. Julia Bellinghausen (IPD)

The Import Promotion Desk (IPD) accompanied organic producers from developing and emerging countries to Biofach. In an interview, Dr Julia Bellinghausen, head of the IPD, explains the importance of organic certification in export promotion.

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The chart shows the FAO food price index from 2005 to 2022, highlighting crises and a rise during COVID-19.

COVID-19 and Rising Food Prices: What’s Really Happening?

A Contribution by IFPRI

Taking a look at the data (as of February 11th 2022) what the current price hike means for world hunger and what can be done to prevent from another food crisis.

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Hands hold an open cacao pod displaying the white seeds inside, highlighting the raw chocolate source. | © GIZ Ute Grabowsky

Côte d’Ivoire: Sweet Temptation without a Bitter Taste

A Story by GIZ

Until Easter 2022, GIZ publishes a new episode every fortnight introducing people who are committed to fair and sustainable cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire and Germany.

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Flags of various countries flutter outside the COP27 venue against a clear blue sky.

COP27: Agri-food systems in the focus of the climate discussion

Stephanie Heiland, Project Manager at Sector Project Agriculture and part of this year’s Observer Delegation of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) at COP27, shares her insights on the role of agriculture and food systems at the climate conference. Among other things, she reports from GIZ’s COP27 side event ‘Climate resilient agriculture and food systems in times of multiple crises and fragility’.

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Aerial view of a lush agricultural landscape in Ethiopia, showcasing neatly arranged crops and a small building. | © GIZ

The Key to Transforming Food Systems Lies in Inclusive Governance

A Contribution by Daniel Montas

Experts from Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Malawi came together to discuss inclusive governance in a workshop entitled "Inclusive Governance of Food Systems Transformation". Daniel Montas, TMG Research, on the findings.

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Four individuals stand together, holding and presenting a large policy document at a "Partners for Change" event.

Partners for change - Network meeting on transforming agricultural and food systems

A Contribution by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

At the network meeting "Partners for change - Transformation to a food secure, resilient and sustainable future", almost 250 participants from over 20 countries came together to exchange experiences and ideas on the transformation of agricultural and food systems. The final product, joint recommendations to transform agricultural and food systems, can now be read online.

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A large audience attentively listens to a panel discussion on "Partnering for Change" in an elegant, arched venue.

Just change starts with listening

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

Halfway through the 2030 Agenda, the BMZ invited participants to a network meeting entitled "Partners for change - Transformation to a food secure, resilient and sustainable future". Experts from around the world developed recommendations in a consultation process and then consolidated them in Berlin. A site visit.

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Attendees engage in a discussion around a large table at the UNFSS event, with colorful decor adorning the wooden walls.

The UNFSS Stocktaking – shadow and a little light

A Contribution by Harry Hoffmann (TMG) & Nathalie Demel (WHH)

At the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda and two years after the UN Food System Summit 2021, a stocktaking moment was held in Rome to analyze the progress of countries on the commitments to action in transforming food systems. Dr Harry Hoffmann, TMG Think Tank, and Nathalie Demel, Welthungerhilfe, were on site and take stock as well.

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Aerial view of a Madagascar landscape showing a patchwork of fields and a dirt road dividing dry and green areas.

Towards Climate Justice: Securing Women’s Land Rights for a Resilient Tomorrow

A Contribution by TMG

In the midst of global climate discussions, a resounding call emerges: Women's land rights must be the cornerstone of our climate actions. They're not just pieces of the puzzle; they form the foundation for true climate resilience. TMG Think Tank for Sustainability reports from the first African Climate Summit.

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A vibrant display of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, including cacao pods and clusters of red berries in Ecuador. | © GIZ Giacomo Rubini

The common thread is the importance of collaboration

A contribution by Scaling Up Nutrition Movement

It takes the joint efforts of diverse actors to achieve a transformative impact on the global food system. Barbara Rehbinder, Scaling Up Nutrition Movement (SUN), discusses four people-centred principles to get closer to this goal.

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A smiling woman in a green shawl raises her hand enthusiastically during a conference meeting.

Shu Wen Ng, the Clear-Sighted

An Interview with Shu Wen Ng

Shu Wen Ng is a health economist. She knows what is best suited to go on a plate. But how can this be achieved on a mass scale in countries with lower incomes? "The solutions to gett there already exist," she says, "but what is often missing is courageous leadership to implement them."

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A diverse group of individuals gathers at the P4C Network Meeting focused on sustainable food transformation.

Sustainable and Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Motion – We’re on it!

A Contribution by Kah Walla

This year's network meeting of the Partners for Change (P4C), a network of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), took place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 26 and 27 June 2024. Kah Walla, moderator of the event and CEO of Strategies!, gives an insight into the key findings and learnings.

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Delegates sit around a large conference table at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture, discussing sustainable practices.

Bioeconomy: Ready for a Joint Take-Off?

A Contribution by GIZ

The bioeconomy movement is fundamentally changing agriculture and food production: through innovative ideas, environmentally friendly approaches and the realization that we need to work together globally to ensure that change truly benefits everyone. At this years’ German Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) focused on this topic.

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A person writes on orange cards during the Partners for Change Conference, surrounded by colorful stationery and notes.

Everything is nothing without Soils

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

The international soil conference ‘Partners for Change - SOILutions for a Food Secure, Resilient, and Sustainable Future’ brought together almost 150 different stakeholders in Berlin from 20 to 22 May. Its aim: to take stock of existing conservation programmes and pave the way for the future.

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A group of five smiling individuals stands in a bakery, showcasing freshly baked goods on metal racks.

With the power of fried bread

A contribution of Jan Rübel and Fabio Rappenecker

With a simple but effective idea to combat malnutrition: in Nairobi, Fabio Rappenecker and his start-up TenX Nutrition produce mandazi, which become a real power biscuit thanks to added micronutrients. The aim is to strengthen food security through local, affordable and healthy food.

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Fishermen in Bangladesh skillfully handle large fishing nets under a clear sky. | © GIZ Ranak Martin

A Menu of Solutions

A Conversation with Shakuntala Thilsted & Andreas Schaumayer

On the sidelines of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025), Andreas Schaumayer, Head of Division at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Shakuntala Thilsted, Senior Nutrition Expert at CGIAR, discussed the crucial role of aquatic foods in nutrition, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

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Participants engage in discussions during the SOILution P4C conference, with speakers addressing the audience from a stage.

Elevating Soil Health for a Sustainable Future

A Contribution by Kah Walla

In May, this year's "Partners for Change – SOILutions for a Food Secure, Resilient, and Sustainable Future" conference took place. Kah Walla, Moderator of the Conference and Director of Strategies!, summarises the discussions and declares that healthy soils are not just the foundation of agriculture, but the cornerstone of a resilient, equitable, and climate-smart future.

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Children sort fish on the ground while a woman carries a blue bucket on her head in a lush outdoor setting. | © F4F GIZ Zambia

Let Me Tell You: How Zambia Uses Comics and Animation to Inspire Healthy Eating

By Jana Anouk Mansour

As part of the “Let Me Tell You” series, children across Zambia are discovering fun stories that teach the importance of good food and healthy habits such as fish. Let’s dive into one of these tales together…

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