Unheard Voices update - government starting to listen
Monday, 14 July 2008
The UK government is beginning to listen to Concern's Unheard Voices campaigners.
In its response to the latest stage of the Unheard Voices campaign, the government has recognised that, with the right support, many poor farmers will be able to grow enough food to feed their families.
The government's response comes after about 50 Members of Parliament wrote to Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, highlighting issues raised by Concern campaigners. In the response, which has been posted on the Department for International Development's website and can be accessed here, the government:
- Recognised that smallholder farmers, if properly supported, could significantly contribute to reducing hunger by growing more food for their families
- Reaffirmed that "ensuring farmers have a voice and a say in their own development" is part of the government's policy
- Welcomed the interest taken by Concern supporters
- Gave an assurance that DFID will consult widely when it reviews its agriculture policy later this year.
Commenting on the government's response, Lyndall Stein, Executive Director of Concern Worldwide (UK), said, "The recognition of the potential of poor farmers to grow more food and reduce hunger is a welcome change from the government's previous approach that focused exclusively on the role of agriculture in achieving economic growth.
"We need to keep the pressure up to ensure that this recognition is turned into concrete actions that benefit poor farmers in developing countries. So my message to all those campaigners who wrote to their MPs is: thank you and well done - your letters have had an impact! My message to those who haven't written is - it's not too late, a letter from you to your MP will help keep the pressure on!"
For more information, or to join the campaign, click here.
