Insights from the Rupantar Project Meeting: Exploring Transformation in Smallholder Food Systems in the Eastern Gangetic Plains

Manita Raut

I recently had the privilege of participating in the discussions held by the Rupantar project team in Coochbihar, India, from May 20 to May 24. This experience deepened my understanding of the value of transforming small-holder food systems and the necessity of diversifying agricultural livelihood in the (potential) project country sites in the Eastern Gangetic Plains, which include Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. As I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in a related field of inclusive water governance and smallholder adoption of irrigation technology, I found myself immersed in these insightful discussions. These discussions made me realize how crucial it is to embrace different points of view when aiming to achieve inclusive agricultural diversification. My biggest takeaway was that a combination of small positive changes in what we envision and how we do things can lead to substantial and profound changes.

One of the important questions that came up during project meetings was, "What does transformation in smallholder food systems (in the Rupantar project area) truly entail?" The team engaged in in-depth discussions, examining the current agricultural system and examining how potential incremental changes could contribute to transformational processes at the project sites. The discussions were simple yet thought-provoking, illuminating the complexities of agricultural practices in the region.

My participation in the project meeting was that of an outsider, but I found immense value in observing the minute steps that can potentially contribute to significant transformations in agri food systems. It reinforced my understanding that the small steps taken during project activities, such as meetings, can be critical to achieving their lofty goals. Three things which caught my attention were:

a) the significant leadership roles women played in the project and meeting activities; b) the multidisciplinary team working to define and implement transformation in smallholder agriculture; and c) the presence of farmer capacities in some cases that can pave the way for diversification and transformation.

The Rupantar team appears to bring together experts from universities, research institutes, governments, cooperatives, and countries by collaborating across various fields and backgrounds. A dynamic environment for defining what transformation might entail in the project areas was created by the convergence of context, knowledge, and expertise. Examples of cultural, political, socioeconomic, and environmental diversity were shared and these can help to realize the shared objective of enhancing the livelihood of the smallholders.

Another striking observation I made was the significant presence of female professionals brilliantly fulfilling and leading the Rupantar project team's work. These could be seen as the women setting the agenda for the project meeting, presenting the project's ambition, processes, and overall engagement. This was evident as they presented the project objectives, baseline survey results, and facilitated critical discussions, broadening perspectives and ensuring a well-rounded approach. I believe that recognising and celebrating these seemingly minor but crucial contributions is critical, as they have the potential to ignite and hopefully pave the way for transformation towards women leadership and equitable gender roles too. It is critical to recognize and document small positive changes because they contain the potential for learning that would otherwise be missed if not given adequate attention.

On the third day of the meeting, a female farmer shared her experience with us and provided a critical viewpoint. This woman farmer is raising goats in her Satmile (village) community. Contrary to popular belief, this intelligent female farmer shed light on an important aspect of pricing while dealing with the Farmers Producers Organisation (FPC) in her village. She mentioned that goats are sold in the local market, such as weekly bazaars, and through the FPC. She revealed that when she sold goats through the FPC, they sometimes offered lower prices than the market rate. It is important to note that this disparity was not caused by FPC's malice. The local market relied on visual evaluation of goats to make purchases and sales, whereas FPC weighed the goats to determine the price. Understanding these distinctions helped perceptive goat farmers like this one get the best goat prices. It's worth noting the farmer's keen understanding of when to use the FPC to ensure fair and higher prices for her livestock. This reinforces the fact that Farmers use critical thinking on a daily basis, and recognizing such strengths is essential. This further establishes that transformation does not necessarily imply changing everything; rather, it entails adequately understanding the strengths that exist in these communities, thereby strengthening the foundation upon which transformation agendas for smallholder food systems are built.

Working with a diverse team, observing strong women leaders, and leveraging the strengths of already existing communities are just a few of the many observations that have given me much to think about. As the Rupantar team addresses the monumental task of transforming the food system for smallholders over the course of the project, there will be much to learn from their strategic approaches and how they navigate their paths.

It is important to note that my goal in highlighting these processes and observations is not to predict the project's outcome but rather to emphasize the significance of these processes and observations. As I reflect on this experience, I wish the Rupantar project team every success in their mission to complete the transformative work they are undertaking.