CRS to Kazhi Kadaimadai Farmers Federation – Tamil Nadu, India
Kazhi Kadaimadai Farmers Federation (KKFF) is another RAFFS PLP partner which works to provide livelihood support to farmers and communities affected by the 2004 tsunami. CRS’s visit was focused on three mains areas of KKFF’s work: agro-advisory services, microfinance and marketing. Despite being continents apart, CRS and KKFF operate with similar ecological and crop-production systems and are using similar methodologies in farmer field schools (particularly focused on paddy rice production) and savings and credit groups. The main differences between KKFF and CRS’s programs are due to an “enabling environment”. Agriculture is a high priority in India, and there is a high level of subsidized Government support for inputs, credit and insurance.
Main Lessons Learned
2) Innovative technologies and strategic partnerships
KKFF, in partnership with Ekagaon Technologies, provides mobile phones to farmers to help them access insurance as well as market information. Other agencies could learn from these experiences to adapt or pilot new technology to bring agricultural development (and food security) to smallholder farmers. It is important to recognize one’s own skills and consider partnering with other organizations that might be more conversant with new technologies and have ready capabilities in these areas.
3) Warehouse receipts and delayed marketing
This system could potentially have a substantial affect on food security. However, there are challenges that must be solved, such as providing adequate storage, convincing banks to accept warehouse receipts and asessing the viability of the market. Agencies planning to embark on schemes like this should be cognizant of the potential positive impact on food security, as well as the associated risks and challenges.