Updates
Be updated with our latest events and activities
Our Priority Agenda and Basis of Unity
AFA promotes these five priority agenda through programs and projects that are coordinated at regional/international levels and implemented at national levels. AFA links, networks, coordinates, and partner with like-minded institutions that help push forward our five priority agenda.
RIGHTS TO NATURAL RESOURCES
We promote secure tenurial rights of small scale women and men family farmers over natural resources:
lands, waters, forests, seeds
AGROECOLOGY
AND CLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE
We produce diverse and nutritious food through sustainable, integrated, diversified, resilient, organic, agroecological family farming systems and practices
in farms and forested landscapes
COOPERATIVES AND ENTERPRISES
We build and strengthen family farmers’ cooperatives and their enterprises
that will give farmers stronger involvement in value chains and increase their market power
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
We promote fair treatment and ensure equitable rights and opportunities among women and men farmers
ATTRACTING THE YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
We promote agriculture towards the young and build their interests and capacities towards sustainable and resilient farming and related enterprises
In commemoration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, AFA launches “1000 Solutions by Women Farmers”, highlighting women’s leadership across Asia while calling attention to the challenges and gender gaps they continue to
face.
From agroecology to climate resilience, women farmers are shaping solutions rooted in practice, care, and community.
PROMOTING FAMILY FARMING IN ASIA AND BEYOND
The work of AFA on the UNDFF
The United Nations Decade for Family Farming (UNDFF) is a global initiative aimed at promoting and supporting the role of family farming in sustainable agriculture and rural development. Spanning from 2019 to 2028, this decade-long
effort seeks to address key challenges faced by family farmers worldwide, such as poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation, while also recognizing the vital contributions of family farming to food security, rural livelihoods,
and the preservation of cultural heritage. UNDFF encourages policies and actions that empower family farmers, enhance their access to resources, and promote sustainable farming practices, ultimately working towards a more equitable
and sustainable future for both rural and urban communities.
In the context of UNDFF, AFA collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, to advance the goals and objectives of the UNDFF in the Asia and the Pacific region.
LAND MATRIX
Many of the countries with the highest number of land deals recorded in the Land Matrix database are in Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and India. Most large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) are concentrated
in Southeast Asia, and cover agriculture, conservation, forestry, industry, renewable energy, and tourism. In Central Asia, LSLAs are mainly associated with the interaction of agricultural land, particularly pasture land, and mining
projects.
Landlessness and lack of secure access to and tenure over land, water, and forest resources as a result of LSLAs present a significant threat to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Asia. A recently growing trend in the region
is the conversion of pasture land to croplands or other types of land use, with the involvement of foreign investors as the government allocates agricultural land to “more efficient land use systems” – ostensibly to increase economic
efficiency by attracting investments for agricultural lands which have been abandoned after the privatisation of state-managed cooperatives.
YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
Young Farmers Camp & Agrilympics
The event aimed to strengthen youth engagement in farmers’ organizations, foster collaboration, and promote agriculture as a viable career. Through dynamic workshops, skill-building sessions, and the Agrilympics—a friendly competition
blending agricultural skills and teamwork—delegates enhanced their knowledge in digital agriculture, climate resilience, and cooperative development. The event also featured a Knowledge Market showcasing youth-led initiatives and
a Solidarity Night celebrating cultural diversity.
YFCA emphasized the critical role of young farmers in addressing climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture. Inspirational stories from young leaders, hands-on learning experiences, and expert-led discussions empowered
delegates to bring back innovative solutions to their communities. The event fostered a strong network of young agricultural leaders committed to advancing agroecology, cooperative enterprises, and inclusive decision-making, ensuring
a resilient future for farming in the Asia-Pacific region.
Out Network
AFA is a proud member of the following global organizations
International Land Coalition
The International Land Coalition (ILC) is an independent global alliance of People’s Organisations, civil society and intergovernmental organisations working together to put people at the centre of land governance. The shared goal
of ILC’s over 300 members is to realise land governance for and with people at a country level, responding to the needs and protecting the rights of women, men and communities who live on and from the land.
Agroecology Coalition
The Agroecology Coalition’s work is guided by the 13 principles of Agroecology defined by the High-Level Panel of Experts for Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) that are aligned with
the 10 Elements of Agroecology adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s Council in December 2019.
World Rural Forum
The World Rural Forum (WRF) is a global network that promotes family farming and sustainable rural development, composed by family farming organisations such as AACARI, AFA, COPROFAM, EAFF, ESAFF, PDRR, PFO, PROPAC, REFACOF and UMNAGRI,
rural development organisations; agri-cooperatives like CA-E and KONFEKOOP and research centers such as CIRAD.
“There is a saying that, ‘The dream of one person may quickly die, but the dream of many will someday surely come true.’ It is our dream in AFA to make farmers’ groups in Asia cooperate tightly, help each other, and make their collective
voices stronger. AFA can be the core of all Asian farmers fighting for survival and better quality of lives. We hope you share our dream, and together, we can share this dream to as many farmers’ groups in Asia as possible.”
Seo, Jung-Eui
AFA Chairperson, 2006-2008