Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad hands the book “From Arms to Farms, A Tale of Transmogrification: The Kauswagan Story” to German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, as From Arms to Farms External Affairs Officer Marissa Lerias and supporters look on.
The From Arms to Farms Foundation showcased its success in organic agriculture, as a tool for peacebuilding and sustainability at the 16th Global Forum on Food and Agriculture (GFFA) which was held from 17 to 20 January 2024 in Berlin, Germany. The foundation was invited to the GFFA by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Through an organic farming training program, the foundation assisted the residents of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte in overcoming poverty and food insecurity, and encouraged rebels and combatants to lay down their arms and return to farming. 100% of agricultural lands in Kauswagan’s 13 barangays are now dedicated to organic farming.
Kauswagan has thus been transformed from one of the poorest local communities in the Philippines into a food secure, zero-hunger community and a model of success in organic farming and peacebuilding. Among its local and international awards is a Peace Prize by the United Cities and Local Governments Awards.
Themed “Food Systems for Our Future: Joining Forces for a Zero Hunger World,” the 16th GFFA brought together international experts on food and agriculture in politics, the academe, business and civil society, and provided them a platform to exchange views
on balancing food security with environmental issues. END
