Mindanaoan Foundation Showcases Philippine Success Story in Organic Farming at Global Forum on Food and Agriculture
From Arms to Farms: A Model of Peacebuilding and Sustainability Highlighted in Berlin
May 10th, 2024
The From Arms to Farms Foundation recently showcased its remarkable success in promoting organic agriculture as a tool for peacebuilding and sustainability at the 16th Global Forum on Food and Agriculture (GFFA), held from January 17 to 20, 2024, in Berlin, Germany—the foundation participated foundations at the invitation of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The foundation’s innovative organic farming training program has played a crucial role in transforming the lives of residents in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. This initiative has addressed poverty and food insecurity and encouraged former rebels and combatants to lay down arms and embrace farming. Today, all agricultural lands in Kauswagan’s 13 barangays are dedicated to organic farming, marking a significant shift towards sustainable agriculture and peace.
Kauswagan, once one of the poorest local communities in the Philippines, has been transformed into a food-secure and zero-hunger community. This transformation stands as a testament to the power of organic farming in fostering peace and sustainability. The community’s achievements have been recognized locally and internationally, including receiving a Peace Prize from the United Cities and Local Governments Awards.
The 16th GFFA, themed “Food Systems for Our Future: Joining Forces for a Zero Hunger World,” brought together international experts from politics, academia, business, and civil society. The forum provided a platform for exchanging views on balancing food security with environmental sustainability, aligning with the goals of the From Arms to Farms Foundation’s initiatives.
The foundation’s success story in Kauswagan highlights the potential of organic farming to achieve food security and as a powerful instrument for peacebuilding. Kauswagan’s transformation is a model for other communities striving to achieve similar outcomes, showcasing the critical link between sustainable agriculture and lasting peace.
