|
LEISA
is the abbreviation of 'Low External Input Sustainable
Agriculture'. LEISA refers to viable small scale
farming, which is a major part of rural livelihoods
and contributes significantly to developing economies. LEISA
is about finding technical and social options open to farmers
who seek to improve productivity and income in an ecologically
sound way. LEISA is about optimal use of local resources
and natural processes and, if necessary, safe and efficient
use of external inputs. It looks to build on local
knowledge and traditional technologies and the involvement
of the farmers themselves in development. Information
about these technologies is exchanged mainly through the LEISA
Magazine.
 Call
for Articles: Empowerment and Social Inclusion
While
some developments in conventional agriculture may exacerbate
inequalities, low external input sustainable agriculture
provides opportunities to lessen these differences.
This issue of the LEISA Magazine is seeking examples in which
socially excluded people have overcome such
barriers. For example when a marginalised group acts to improve
their life; when a group of farmers join hands and gain access
to land, water, or a market.
Social
inclusion efforts open previously closed doors. They
come from government, NGOs, businesses or community leaders.
For example, in programmes in which orphans, widows, or ethnic
groups increase their skills in agricultural activities, thereby
improving their livelihoods and status in a community.
Or, the government may change rules to provide particular
groups of people access to markets, land
or education.
We
are looking for stories that highlight local initiatives
as well as externally driven mechanisms. What opportunities
are there in small-scale agriculture, and how can marginalised
groups realise them? What difficulties are faced, and what
lessons have been drawn from experiences so far?
Submission
Details
Please send your contributions to Frank
van Schoubroeck, editor, at: f.van.schoubroeck@ileia.nl
Final
application deadline: 1 June 2008
|
