Forest and Farm Facility Annual Report 2020: summary

The pandemic that struck the world in 2020 has hit rural communities hard. Thousands have died, many more have become seriously ill; there has been an enormous toll.

Sadly, several national-level organisations with which the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) works have lost leaders. Moreover, lockdowns designed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus have made it difficult – sometimes impossible – for producers to transport and sell their products, causing additional stress and hardship.

But the pandemic has also served to demonstrate the importance of grassroots organisations. Many reports about the pandemic have found that communities with a common sense of identity and greater cohesion have been most resilient.

Surveys of producers and communities assisted by the FFF showed that being organised has helped them respond effectively to the crisis. Not only have they been able to find new markets, many FFF-supported organisations have also worked in their communities to raise awareness about the pandemic and distribute protective equipment and other needed goods. They have looked after the wellbeing of their people.

This report provides a summary of FFF's accomplishments in 2020, sharing highlights, challenges and lessons.