On Behalf Of Poor Farmers

Poor farmers often suffer at the hands of powerful landlords. Africa has a high percentage of people employed in agriculture. It also has some of the poorest countries in the world. Those with the highest proportions of poor people are also those with the highest percentages in agriculture. In Asia, high and sustained growth has helped lift millions of poor people out of poverty. It is especially true of China and Vietnam. They also have millions employed on the land. Globalisation can help in poverty reduction. Agriculture can also help. There is however a mistrust of the private sector. Poor people say that the best way to escape poverty is self-employment. Enterprise requires a strong economy. As Hilary Benn once said, social justice should be provided on the economy not at the expense of it. To ignore it is to make poor countries rely on aid indefinitely. Infrastructure and the support of the financial sector are also vital basic conditions for long term success of a private sector, both MNEs and SMEs. Those excluded should be included.

If inequality is high and poverty reduction low it should be addressed. It could start with action for access to land and opportunities and changes to the power structures for a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives. Social and economic progress need political will behind them. Constant adaptation is also important in developing countries.

The Doha Round did not deliver on its promise because high agricultural subsidies in developed countries prevented growth in poor countries. Poor farmers were unable to compete. Rural and agricultural investment is key. Much investement in developing countries is inward as some have adopted protectionist policies to develop their economies without interference. Opening up to free trade might leave them vulnerable to exploitation by predatory global businesses and governments.

Poor definition of property rights is another problem poor farmers face in poor countries. They also need access to reliable market information and markets, research and development not only that can help them but actually aimed at them. The gap between rich and poor countries continues to grow. The gap between rich and poor within those countries also continues to grow. Attitudes need to change. The WTO, World Economic Forum, FAO and Defra should be working to reduce world poverty. They stand to be condemned if they don't.