Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I thank all of the witnesses for their interesting presentations. I was struck by a couple of comments, particularly the document entitled Transformation Pathways for Developing Country Agriculture, which seem to call for countries to step away from the conventional drive towards a more industrialised-type of agriculture and return to a low-intensity but higher nature type of farming. That is probably what the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and other things are trying to make us do in this country as well. It is ironic that for the last 40 or more years Ireland and many other countries in the developed world have pushed for intensive farming practices and increased production.

As the economy of a country develops, agriculture becomes less important, fewer people work it, it becomes more mechanised and has fewer people involved, and it becomes more specialised. Scientists now tell us all of that is to the detriment of nature and ultimately to the farmer as well. It is about catching that in time.

I seek clarity on the impact of climate change on Uganda, and Africa in general. Has there been much of an effect in recent decades? We are told that most of the impact of climate change is on developing countries and especially Africa. This is an opportunity to share with us on how significant an impact climate change is having.

I am also interested to hear about the multinational industries involved such as Bayer, Monsanto and other large companies that work on the basis of selling more of their seeds, fertilisers, sprays and products to farmers. Some consider it to be an opportunity but others call it a trap. The farmers become large providers of cash crops, which are susceptible to crashes, and they might have a good income for a number of years and then have nothing for a period. I am interested in hearing about the inherent instability because the witnesses appear to say they are trying to get away from that and to go in a different direction. I am interested in the role of multinational companies because we have been told that some of the products that have been banned in the west are still being pushed and are used, especially in Africa and in other countries, and I would like to hear about that.

When I think of Africa I am struck by its size, which is something very few realise. Europe, China, and most of America could fit in Africa. It is enormous and the scale and size of it is something of which most people in other parts of the world are unaware. I firmly believe that Africa has more than the capacity to feed itself. It is just poorly organised. Perhaps there are reasons for that which are not always internal and make sure that is the case. I would welcome some comment in that regard.

Reference was made to the sustainable development goals, SDGs, especially 2.4, and I am interested in discussing the issue. The SDGs are about making sure that everything is done in a sustainable manner, which will look after the humans on the Earth, as well as everything else that is on it. I often hear the term used - and Bono was criticised for using it - to tell them it is about trade not aid. Trade is the answer to all of the problems rather than giving aid. I am interested in the views of the witnesses on that because it may sound like a lovely little cliché but when one gets down to it, is that the issue? Is trade the answer, in particular for a continent the size of Africa?