Co-operating to help most hungry
When Horace Plunkett established the very first Irish agricultural co-op at Doneraile in Co Cork, the plight of the Irish farmer was not one to be envied. This was 1899, and although the British were set to give Irish tenant farmers their own land, few had the resources or expertise to take advantage of their new liberty.
The Irish agricultural co-operative movement, which today comprises 400 individual co-ops, helped farmers to diversify their crops, better manage their lands, and ultimately turn their impoverished smallholdings into international businesses. Without our agricultural co-operative movement, there would be no Kerry Group, no Glanbia, no Aryzta, and the world would have to live without Baileys Irish Cream and Kerrygold butter.
Of the estimated 925m hungry people in the world today, seven out of 10 live in rural areas where agriculture represents the economy’s mainstay. Agricultural co-operative principles which helped and continue to help Irish farmers comprise the best model for permanently ending rural hunger across the world.
This year’s World Food Day theme focuses on agricultural co-operatives being the key to feeding the world and makes the case that the problem of food insecurity can be addressed by strengthening and expanding agricultural co-operatives.
Additionally, we should be calling on policymakers in developing countries to promote transparent legislation and opportunities for dialogue. This would allow small farmers to voice their concerns and interests, and participate in the governance of local food systems.
The UN estimates there are 1bn members of co-operatives worldwide, generating more than 100m jobs. They have been described as a business model with a social conscience, as the very notion of co-operatives is based around collective action, aimed at enabling farmers to take better advantage of market opportunities.
When it comes to international development, collaboration and co-operation make an effective strategy. NGOs in developing countries should be encouraged to work with small farmers to generate and share their knowledge base.
Development as a concept needs to move from agricultural productivity alone to one that embraces a broader mandate which is guided by the belief that not only can we eradicate poverty but we can also create prosperity.
To tackle the global problem of hunger, it is essential that we begin to view the traditional areas of developmental work such as food and water security, education, and healthcare through a business development lens.
This can be done by harnessing local resources and knowledge, and ensuring there is sufficient investment in human resources, improving enterprise opportunities, and research and innovation. In doing this, the transition from small holder farm to small business farmers can be made.
An agri-food sector is emerging in parts of Africa and builds on the opportunities offered by the local food industry. It aims to strengthen its viability through engaging in diverse avenues and opportunities.
The food patterns among the emerging classes in parts of Africa mirror the West in that there is a growing emphasis on processed food. There is a clear rationale for strengthening the capacity of rural enterprises through new business investments. This underlying principle again mirrors the premise that trade needs to be pursued beyond traditional aid.
The Africa Agri-Food Development Fund aims to develop partnerships between the Irish agri-food sector and African countries to support the sustainable growth of the local food industry. It has committed to build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa.
It is critical that this initiative is constantly developed and pressure on the Government to implement it efficiently is maintained.
As we approach World Food Day, it is clear the traditional approach to development is not enough and the sector has gone way beyond what most people consider the norm.
It is no longer just about giving people the skills to feed just themselves. Business and trade development, and new partnerships and opportunities must come to the fore if we are to sustain profitable ventures in Africa. In doing so, we must remember that co-operation and knowledge sharing is central to ensuring that agricultural practice moves from an operation of necessity to a vehicle of prosperity.
* Brian Hanratty is the chief executive of Gorta. The Gorta World Food Day conference takes place in Dublin on Tuesday, Oct 16.
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