The statement said they have, therefore, come to speak as a united voice and alongside other civil society actors to governments, the United Nations and the rest of the world so that their issues and recommendations will be an integral part of the deliberations and outcomes of WSSD. The statement further mentioned that other aspirations of the farmers designed for WSSD include that land, plant and animal genetic resources have been owned by the community throughout generations and should not be transferred to private ownership for selfish and profit driven gains. 

It further said while the farmers' first priority is to feed their communities before growing for the external market, there is need to call for first preference for internal markets access in preference to external competitors, adding that this must be enhanced by among others, improvement of infrastructure in terms of roads, communication and markets. It said deliberate and urgent steps should also be taken to develop and promote alternative renewable energy options, sustainable land-use systems and water management as a commitment to achieving sustainable development for all.

The statement further noted that poor communities, consisting mainly of labourers, landless people and small-scale farmers have most suffered from HIV/AIDS, common childhood diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis saying that to this effect, health for all must be made a reality. It said the pollution and degradation of the earth have since been blamed on poor communities, paying a blind eye to the big industries that are responsible for industrial waste and gas emission, saying that everybody should be made responsible for ensuring safe, clean and sustainable world.

The statement concluded by mentioning that foreign debt has continued to cripple poor countries' economies with serious consequences of food security, health and education impacting most heavily on women and children, adding that farmers therefore, call for debt cancellation and a re-dedication of the funds to service provision and poverty eradication. Meanwhile, more than 300 farmers from Africa, Latin America, Canada, Europe and Asia took part at the meeting, which was officially closed on Saturday. Lesotho was represented by 29 farmers.

02 September,2002