“Being a farmer gives you the opportunity to realize we are part of the land, and not its owner. We are part of something bigger called Mother Earth!”
by Maria Clara Piedrahita, Farmer
On the 6th July The Conscious Food Systems Alliance in partnership with COP2Care of People x Planet convened a Collective Inquiry on “Farmers’ Wellbeing and Psychological Resilience”.
Farmers around the world provide the foundation for life and yet, they are subject to intense stress: heavy workloads year-round, managing the unpredictability and anxiety of climate change, increased exposure to climate and price shocks, difficulty to earn a proper income from their production and sometimes even to feed oneself and one’s family…Depression and suicide are all too common Many youth prefer to seek opportunities in cities rather than farming.
Farmer’s mental health and psychological resilience is a topic which is receiving limited attention as part of food systems transformation policy and programmes at national and global levels.
The Conscious Food Systems Alliance has therefore prioritized the issue of farmers’ mental health for resilience and well-being as part of its core areas of work.
This area of work was launched with Collective Inquiry designed as a participatory dialogue which brought together farmers and organizations working with farmers and other food systems stakeholders.
Watch the recording of the session!
The dialogue involved 72 participants from diverse nationalities, reflecting the global nature of the issue and emphasizing the collective responsibility in addressing farmers’ wellbeing, which ultimately impacts everyone as food consumers.
During the dialogue, we heard farmers sharing the gratification they feel when working the land but also the numerous challenges they face, such as climate change and economic difficulties. We shared moments of gratitude for this life-giving profession and explored how farmers can be supported in their well-being and psychological resilience.
The importance of community and connection emerged as central in the rich exchanges.
Below are some of the examples that emerged during the event and which address the issue of farmers’ well-being from two different but converging perspectives:
Case studies:
The Atmiyata Programme, Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy:
Atmiyata is an innovative & evidence-based community-led intervention to reduce the mental health and social care gap in rural communities. Video!
The World Health Organization has listed Atmiyata as one of the 25 good practices for community outreach mental health services around the world. To know more, click here.
FAO Dimitra Clubs, Food and Agriculuture Organization of United Nations (FAO)
FAO Dimitra Clubs are informal groups of rural women and men who decide to organize and take collective action to solve community problems using their own resources and capacities. Video!
Impact has been assessed in many areas, including women’s leadership, resilience, peace, adaptation, and more. It is estimated that over 6 million rural people benefit from Dimitra Clubs’ initiatives. Learn more!
Watch the in-depth Session to know more about these inspiring initiatives
Literature:
