Agri-ProFocus network members AgroFair, ICCO and Wageningen UR, together with Schuttelaar & Partners organized an informal network event for professionals in the banana industry, on Friday 21 November in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
This network event brought together 30 professionals from business, research, NGO and government to discuss sustainability issues in (African) banana production.
The programme had 4 short introductions covering production, trade, research and social issues. It is clear that the huge amounts of pesticides needed for export bananas pose consequences for the environment and human health. A multidisciplinary research approach is needed to develop resistance to Black Sigatoka and improve banana production technology.
Current banana production for export markets is characterized by high levels of external inputs and increased competition. This causes a downward spiral on buying prices, environmental degradation and working conditions.
Improving production in Africa (closer to European markets) is also challenged by instability/insecurity, governance and higher material costs (caused by lack of infrastructure and logistics). Also, HIV/Aids and the low literacy level lead to low productivity. Banana production needs investments and expertise to reach the scale that allows for cost-effective shipping. A strategy for inclusion of small-scale farmers is the nucleus plantation with an outgrower scheme and certification.
Tabel discussions and plenary closing sessions discussed the urgency to work together on solutions to these challenges.
Feedback from participants indicated an interest to continue networking in this setting and to deepen discussions on challenges and options in sustainable banana production.
» Download: "Café Banana Report"
» Download: Participants’ list