Food and Agriculture in Dutch International Development Cooperation

1970-1980 Political activism in The Netherlands

Although political activism in the Netherlands started in the 1950's, it gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s. NOVIB was one of the first organizations that prioritized engagement with Dutch civil society to combat hunger and poverty. One of the most well-known campaigns was called `gast aan tafel´ (guest at your table). Dutch citizens were encouraged to contribute funds for one or more meals to combat hunger in developing countries.

During this period other activist organizations such as PFS and Solidaridad emerged, based on the educational philosophy of the Brazilian Paolo Freire [1] and building on grassroots political and social farmer movements in Latin America to improve the livelihoods of ‘peasant farmers’ with a strong focus on political awareness and land reforms. A group of Dutch scholars, field workers and activists actively supported peasant farmers in a number of countries in Latin America. This eventually led to the formation of Agriterra in 1997, an organization that now works worldwide to support capacity building and business development in farmer organizations through a peer to peer approach, Dutch farmers engaging with local farmers and small scale agri-business entrepreneurs in developing countries. One of the main objectives is to empower farmer organizations to become strong proponents for the interests and needs of small scale farmers-men and women[2].[3].

To coordinate the efforts of emerging Dutch Third World Movements (solidarity committees, fair trade organizations, anti-apartheid organizations, grassroots organizations, trade unions, concerned municipalities, etc.) a National Commission for Development Strategy 1970-1980 (NCO) was established in 1970, with Prince Claus as its first chairperson[4]. Through this commission the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided subsidies to promote public awareness of issues related to poverty and inequalities in the developing world[5].

 

[1] see https://www.solidaridad.nl/over-ons/onze-geschiedenis/)

[2] See https://www.agriterra.org/modules/downloads/upload_directory/Boek_Agriterra_jubileum_165x240_LR(0).pdf

[3] This will be discussed further in the time line about farmer organizations (under preparation at NICC in collaboration with Agriterra and Kees Blokland)

[4] https://anderetijden.nl/programma/1/Andere-Tijden/aflevering/334/Prins-Claus-en-de-NCO

[5] NCDO published an extensive reader dealing with agricultural development and food security in 1984. The working group highlighted numerous issues related to agricultural development and food security.