Overview
The Farm CIA is a first of its kind, non-profit venture that hopes to address hunger and food security issues in developing countries. It is run by a team of sustainable development experts, agriculturalists and trainers, who are passionate about creating sustainable, self-sustaining farming practices. The Farm CIA is a fluid concept, in that it allows farmers to build long-term meaningful relationships with producers, markets, communities and training organizations. How the Farm CIA works is simple – it enables farmers to have access to the necessary resources, knowledge and resources in order to help them to become food secure and ultimately, strengthen their communities.
History
The Farm CIA began in 2010 as a project of the International Board of Sustainable Agriculture (IBSA), an international organization dedicated to promoting and developing sustainable agriculture practices. It started as an initiative to bring together a range of experts from different countries in order to build capacity and knowledge around sustainability and food security. After two years of pilot programmes and research, the Farm CIA officially launched in September of 2012, and has since provided consulting, training and technical assistance to thousands of farmers across the Global South.
Mission
The Farm CIA’s mission is to increase the food security, health and economic well-being of rural communities through the strengthening of agricultural systems, increases in knowledge and resources, and improved access to markets. It works with a range of partners – including governments, NGOs, farmers’ organizations, agri-businesses, and universities – to build capacity, develop models of sustainable and successful farming practices, and link farmers to regional and global markets.
Strategies
The Farm CIA operates on a number of levels. Firstly, it provides an online portal where farmers can access information, resources and advice. Secondly, the platform offers a range of technical assistance including skills training and management. Thirdly, the Farm CIA runs research initiatives, including studies into the effects of climate change on food security, and the social and economic impacts of sustainable agriculture. Finally, the organization promotes dialogue and action through events, roundtable discussions, policy forums and other advocacy projects.
Core Values
At its core, the Farm CIA is based on five core values: dignity, equity, sustainability, innovation and collaboration. The organization promotes dignity by working with farmers and communities to provide them with the resources, opportunities and knowledge to have an active role in achieving their goals. Equity is a central principle in the Farm CIA’s work, and the organization is committed to ensuring that marginalized communities are supported and represented in the development of sustainable agriculture.
Sustainability is a key focus for the Farm CIA, and all of its work is geared towards developing and expanding sustainable agricultural practices. Innovation is also highly important, and the Farm CIA is always exploring new ways to use technology and other resources to promote sustainable farming. Finally, collaboration is at the heart of the Farm CIA’s mission, and the organization works closely with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to develop successful agricultural models.
Models of Success
The Farm CIA’s approach has already seen success in a number of different countries and contexts. In Nigeria, The Farm CIA has worked with dozens of smallholder farmers to create successful farming cooperatives. These cooperatives have seen an increase in their capacity to produce goods, connect to new markets and improve their economic security. In Kenya, The Farm CIA has developed a model in which smallholder farmers can act in concert as a ‘virtual farm’, helping them to build networks, increase access to goods and services, and find new markets. In Zambia, the Farm CIA has worked with the local government to create a network of over 100 agroforestry sites, providing training and resources for farmers, and encouraging more efficient use of resources.
Technology and Resources
The Farm CIA has also invested heavily in digital technology and resources, developing a range of digital tools and apps that enable farmers to access information, share data, engage in resource exchanges, and access markets. These digital tools are cost-effective and easy to use, and have enabled thousands of smallholder farmers to make better use of their land and resources.
Impact
Since its launch, the Farm CIA has had a major impact on the lives of thousands of smallholder farmers around the world. By providing access to resources, opportunities and markets, the organization has enabled tens of thousands of people to increase their food security, health and economic well-being. The Farm CIA has also enabled governments and NGOs to scale up their successes, share knowledge and develop sustainable long-term agricultural models.
Future Potential
The Farm CIA continues to grow, and its potential remains vast. In the coming years, it hopes to expand its influence and touch more lives, leading to greater food security and economic stability for communities around the world. It has ambitious goals in terms of building innovation and sustainable agriculture models, and the organization is eager to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Financing and Partnerships
The Farm CIA is funded through a range of sources including individual donors, foundations, development aid programmes and corporate sponsorships. It currently has partnerships with a range of key stakeholders, including international organizations, governments, NGOs, universities and businesses. A number of these partners work with the Farm CIA to build capacity and develop sustainable agricultural models.
Training and Capacity Building
In addition to its technical and advocacy work, the Farm CIA runs a range of training and capacity building programmes. These programmes are designed to raise the knowledge and skills of farmers, giving them the necessary tools to become active participants in their agricultural development. The Farm CIA also runs short-term internships, which provide young professionals with hands-on experience in rural development initiatives, and a chance to gain insights into the global food system.
Educational Initiatives
The Farm CIA also runs a variety of educational initiatives, such as webinars, online courses, and mentorship and coaching programmes. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of sustainable agricultural practices, and to give capable individuals the opportunity to gain deep insights into the food system and global economy. The Farm CIA continually updates its portfolio of initiatives, and as such, is well positioned to keep up with the changing needs and demands of an ever-evolving global system.
