Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are an equal and invaluable partner to GAFSP, playing an active role at every level, from inception through implementation to evaluation. CSO partners embody a diversity of roles in GAFSP as they: represent the interests of smallholders; provide technical expertise, knowledge, and capacity; serve as watchdogs to ensure transparency and accountability; and implement projects in several countries.

CSOs are an integral part of our governance structure. GAFSP’s Steering Committee includes three CSO seats: one represents producer organizations in Africa, another represents them in Asia, and the third represents civil society in OECD countries. CSO representatives are chosen through a self-selection process managed through their respective networks. CSO members, just like all other Steering Committee members, participate actively in deliberations. They are uniquely placed within the Steering Committee to amplify the voices and interests of the farmer organizations, producer organizations, and smallholder farmers in every discussion. At global fora and conferences, CSO partners play an indispensable role in advocating for us by raising awareness of the Program in eligible recipient countries and supporting ongoing fundraising efforts with donor governments. 

Though the degree of civil society engagement and the vibrancy of the civil society space differs from one country to another, civil society partners work closely with country-level CSOs to ensure civil society participation in GAFSP-financed projects, from the call for proposals phase through project implementation.