History with very few exceptions in most developed countries has demonstrated that general economic growth in a country is dependent largely on the growth and increased productivity in agriculture. The biggest economic growth has been achieved in countries where the productivity in agriculture has increased the most. Farmers and farmers’ organisations have been and still are in many industrialised countries – a strong, political power, influencing national policies far beyond agriculture. In most developing countries the agricultural sector has the potential to initiate and fuel economic development and growth through increased productivity and efficient utilisation of available resources. Moreover, in Africa agriculture is the biggest productive sector, provides most employment and significant export earning. Despite this important contribution to the economy and the untapped potential for boosting economic growth, farmers and farmer organisations have an important role to play in influencing national policies. The roles and rights of farmers were often neglected in the past however nowadays, farmers  have some involvement in the formulation of national policies for the agricultural sector and the management of the development programmes which affect their livelihoods.

B.E.E.F Agriculture seeks involvement in the formulation of national policies for the agricultural sector and the management of the development programmes which affect farmers livelihoods. During recent years farmer empowerment has been put on the government’s  agenda and is now an integral part of the government’s plan for supporting agricultural and rural development. If rural poverty is to be alleviated in Zimbabwe B.E.E.F believes  it is necessary to create growth in market oriented agriculture, remembering that small holders are the backbone of agriculture in developing countries. It is necessary to increase production, create employment, increase flow of funds and demand for services in rural areas to kick-start the economic development process. For this to happen an enabling environment for the agricultural sector must be developed through a process of dialogues between government and the farmer community as equal partners. Farmer empowerment is a prerequisite for the farming community to participate as a partner in idiscussions with government. B.E.E.F  has an important role as facilitator of this process.