The nation of Mali hosted Nyeleni: Forum for Food Sovereignty in February 2007.  It brought together more than 600 delegates representing fisherfolks, farmers, consumers, environmentalists, workers and pastoralists from seven regions of the world to deepen and strengthen the understanding of and movement toward food sovereignty. Forum participants released a political declaration on the last day of the forum to propel the food sovereignty concept into action.

This collective endeavor was called Nyéléni as a tribute to and inspiration from a legendary Malian peasant woman who farmed and fed her peoples well. Nyeleni took place in a village specially built by hand with local materials and local knowledge. Women from the neighboring village came to prepare traditional meals of food locally grown, gathered, or raised. Just as Nyeleni depended on local knowledge and products, the strengthening and advancement of food sovereignty do too.

Food Sovereignty is the right of food producers to decide what they produce and how, and where they distribute it. It is consumers’ right to wholesome, locally produced food. It is the opportunity for producers and consumers to work together in creating a sustainable food system that meets the needs of the local community.

Delegates at Nyeleni identified specific actions to promote food sovereignty through discussions about regional issues, community needs, such as those of fishermen, and themes, such as technology and local markets. For example, delegates agreed to fight the corporate control of the food chain by reclaiming control over territories, production, markets and the ways we use food. The coming months will bring opportunities to broaden the movement at the regional levels, to implement the action agenda and to implement food sovereignty.

Proceeds from Via Campesina’s new CD will go towards Nyeleni 2007. The CD features well know musicians such as Manu Chao, Cesaria Evora, Emir Kusturica, Goran Bregovic, Nahawa Doumbia, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Femi Kuti, Feo-Gasy, Guafa Trío, Bethany & Rufus, Anando Gopal Das Baûl, Luzmila Carpio, Samir Joubran, Celso Machado & Qiu Xia He, Mamar Kassey, Raul Barboza, Djiguiya.

The entire “synthesis document” is available. For more information, please visit www. Nyeleni2007.org

Accounts of Nyleni

“In Mali there is a powerful symbol which could serve as the symbol of food sovereignty. It’s a woman who left her mark in the history of Mali, as a woman and as a great farmer. When you mention her name everyone knows what this name represents. She is the mother who brings food, the mother who farms, who fought for her recognition as a woman in an environment which wasn’t favourable to her. This woman was called Nyéléni. If we use this symbol everyone in Mali will know that it’s a struggle for food, a struggle for food sovereignty."

– Ibrahim Coulibaly, Coordination Nationale des Organisations Paysannes du Mali

"Nyéléni was an only child, which in Africa was considered a curse. Nyéléni, as a girl and only child of her parents, suffered in her youth from all the mocking her parents were subjected to. She secretly resolved to remove this slur that men had cast on her by defeating them on their own ground, that is to say agriculture and working of the land.

To every suitor she repeated endlessly that marriage could wait, that first she had a mission to accomplish as a homage to her family, to women, to all women. This was her priority. Nyéléni took part in farming competitions and defeated all the champions with the best reputation in her village and in the surrounding region. Her reputation grew. The more arrogant men would challenge her, day after day, and to their disgrace they were all defeated.

Nyéléni’s reputation grew beyond the limits of her region, she became a living legend. This is the time when her renown was established and she earned respect. And so the legend says that it was at the beginning of winter, which is the rainy season here, that she domesticated fonio/angry rice, that cereal you ate today. It’s also thanks to Nyéléni that we have a variety of millet called samio, that is ’small millet’. Nyéléni’s father was called Nianso, her mother was called Saucra, she came from Siracoro. Unfortunately history does not tell us whether one of her suitors ever married her, and therefore whether she ever had children. This is the story of Nyéléni."

- Oussaman

Get Involved

Download more information for organizations interested in participating in or promoting Nyeleni 2007. Includes a list of regional contacts.

For more information, please visit www.nyeleni2007.org