Support to Farmers’ Organizations for Asia

The Support to Farmers Organisations for Asia programme is a capacity-building and market-oriented programme that aims to increase income and improve the livelihood, food, and nutrition security of smallholder farmers and family farmers in 29 countries in Asia through their farmers’ organisations (FOs). The programme is formed by a USD 3 million grant (APFP) from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), a USD 2 million grant (ARISE) from the Rural Poor Stimulus Facility of IFAD, and a USD 8 million co-financing (FO4A) from the European Union.

Growing together; Sustaining communities; Empowering farmers’ collective development


The programme heavily builds on the experiences and lessons of the Medium Term Cooperation Program (MTCP) and the ASEAN Farmers’ Organisations Support Programme (AFOSP) along the rich experiences gained by federated FOs at local, national and regional levels across the Asia region over the last decade.

This programme is the natural outcome of multiple participatory consultations amongst stakeholders and FO representatives at regional, sub-regional and national levels and is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development in consortium with La Via Campesina together with various national farmers organizations.

WHAT WE DO

We engage in various activities together with our partner farmers’ organizations to achieve our goals

CLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE

We nurturing innovative strategies to ensure food security and sustainable farming practices in the face of a changing climate

AGROECOLOGY

We promote a shift away from conventional, input-intensive farming practices towards more holistic, agroecological approaches that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet

POLICY ADVOCACY

We work to shape effective policies that nourish sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience within the agricultural sector

COOPERATIVES & ENTERPRISES

We help capacitate individuals and communities to work together to achieve shared economic, social, and environmental goals

WOMEN & YOUTH

We cultivate opportunities, skills, and voices to foster gender inclusivity and drive sustainable farming communities and we build inclusive pathways for the next generation, fostering leadership and sustainable farming for a brighter tomorrow

KNOWLEDGE SHARING

We bridge experience and innovation to foster a thriving community of informed farmers and sustainable practices

VIDEO CONTEST

Advancing Climate Resiliency through Farmers’ Organizations and Cooperatives

We invite farmers, farmers’ organizations, and cooperatives to join this contest. Together, let us inspire a global movement towards sustainable agriculture, foster partnerships, promote the exchange of knowledge to combat climate change’s adverse effects on farming communities, and advocate for better access to climate financing for smallholder farmers.

LATEST NEWS

Learn more about what we are doing

Ri Bhoi District is one of the seven districts of Meghalaya in North East India. It is an agricultural area and majority of the people depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Jirang Block is one of the blocks in Ri Bhoi District where the inhabitants comprise of […]
This caselet[1] documents how a farmers’ organization, with strong policy advocacy experience, has successfully professionalized their group into becoming an economically viable business enterprise. The business boasts of contributing to “improving the well-being of forest village communities based on sustainable ecology”. This farmer-led enterprise is a […]
The United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF 2019-28) recognizes the role of communication as a driver to advance sustainable food systems and the need to increase awareness about the central role that family farmers play for the future of our planet. In particular, rural radio […]

OUR REACH

We work with Farmers’ Organizations in Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands

Central Asia

Agriculture in Central Asia is characterized by a diverse range of crops and livestock production across the countries in the region. The region’s agriculture has historically been influenced by its climatic conditions, including arid and semi-arid landscapes, as well as its nomadic traditions and Soviet-era agricultural practices. Efforts to address challenges and adopt sustainable practices are essential for the sector’s future viability in the face of changing conditions.

East Asia

East Asia has a long history of traditional farming practices, and its agricultural sector has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and globalization. Despite the advances made in East Asian agriculture, the sector still faces numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, water scarcity, and labor shortages. However, these countries are taking steps to address these issues through sustainable agricultural practices, the use of advanced technologies, and investments in research and development.

South Asia

Agriculture in South Asia is the cornerstone of livelihoods for millions, deeply interwoven with the region’s cultural fabric. The fertile lands of countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal sustain a rich tapestry of crops, from rice and wheat to pulses, vegetables, and fruits. Smallholder farming is predominant, reflecting a blend of traditional wisdom and modern techniques.

The sector grapples with diverse challenges, including population pressure, land fragmentation, and climate variability. Innovations in irrigation, crop varieties, and sustainable practices help address these issues, fostering food security and economic growth. South Asia’s agriculture embodies a delicate balance between age-old practices and contemporary advancements, representing a critical force in shaping the region’s future.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s agriculture is a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultivation practices spanning a mosaic of landscapes. This region boasts a rich agricultural heritage, characterized by the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, along with a wide array of tropical fruits, vegetables, and cash crops. The dynamic interplay of traditional and modern farming methods, combined with unique agro-ecological conditions, shapes the agricultural tapestry of Southeast Asia. This intricate blend contributes to the region’s food security, economic growth, and cultural identity, while also facing contemporary challenges such as sustainability, climate resilience, and equitable resource distribution.

The Pacific Islands 

Agriculture in the Pacific Islands is a blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the unique landscapes and cultures of these remote and diverse islands. The sector revolves around staple crops like taro, yams, and coconuts, deeply ingrained in local diets and customs. While traditional subsistence farming remains important, there’s a growing emphasis on modernizing techniques and diversifying crops to enhance food security and economic sustainability.

Challenges such as limited land, vulnerability to climate change, and market access barriers are met with efforts to promote resilient farming practices, introduce new varieties, and improve infrastructure. With a focus on preserving traditional knowledge and embracing emerging solutions, Pacific Islands’ agriculture aims to forge a path toward sustainable development, ensuring a resilient food supply and fostering vibrant island communities.


OUR IMPACT

We work with millions of smallholder farmers and family farmers in the Asia-Pacific region, helping them grow their livelihood

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