Tue, 04/06/2010

The Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) held its annual policy conference on March 29, 2010 followed by its 2010 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 30-31in Muldersdrift, Gauteng South Africa.

The events were attended by the leadership of national farmers’ unions from at least 12 Southern African countries, the leadership of sub-Saharan regional farmers’ unions, as well as representatives of other stakeholders including COMESA, SADC, CAADP, the African Union Commission, the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and other development agencies and NGOs involved in agricultural development. The theme of the conference was “Land in Southern Africa: Key issues for farmers”. Leading experts addressed the conference on land issues, particularly as they impact on farming as an enterprise.

During the AGM, SACAU elected a new board. Mr. Douglas Taylor-Freeme from the Commercial Farmers’ Union of Zimbabwe was re-elected for a second term as president of the organization. Mr. Abiel Banda from the Farmers Union of Malawi and Mr. Salum Shamte of the Agricultural Council of Tanzania were elected the two vice-presidents. The other board members are Mrs. Effatah Jele (Zambia National Farmers Union) and Mr. Theo de Jager (Agri-SA). Mr. Ishmael Sunga, CEO of SACAU, is Secretary to the Board.

The new SACAU board has balanced representation from both small and large-scale farming sectors. “We have elected a fantastic new board that comprises a nice representation of the region. They all offer diversity in views and experiences that will be a huge asset to SACAU” Mr Taylor-Freeme, the reelected president, said.

Swaziland National Agricultural Union (SNAU) was admitted as a new member of SACAU, bringing total membership to 15 members in 11 countries in Southern Africa – ten members representing predominantly small-scale farmers, four members representing predominantly large-scale farmers, and one member representing both.

More information available on the SACAU website.