The Sugar Campaign for Change (SUCAM) is an independent lobby and advocacy coalition composed of a unique combination of elected and representative grassroots farmers’ organizations; local, national and international civil society organizations and private sector institutions that have been supporting and advocating for the rights of the sugarcane farmers in Kenya.
The coalition was formed on October 2nd, 2001, on recognition that the already existing institutions and individuals who have been advocating for farmers rights and change in the sugar industry in their individual capacities would be more effective in lobbying and advocating for change through the formation of a united movement of common interests-hence the formation of SUCAM.
SUCAM is a non-political, non-partisan, non-ethnic, issue based campaign focusing on improving the lives of sugarcane farmers and the status and efficiency of the sugar industry in Kenya.
Since October 2001 SUCAM has played a pivotal role in influencing the change process in the sugar industry.
Our continued focus on the structures is a result of our recognition that poverty cannot be eradicated without addressing the structural defects that cause and perpetuate poverty in the industry.
OUR MISSION
To promote the development of a viable and efficient sugar industry that will ensure that sugarcane farmers in Kenya enjoy a life that is just, healthy and free of poverty.
OUR OBJECTIVES
- Ensure that farmers have a greater say in the management and development of the industry through participation in management for greater accountability and transparency.
- Work with the communities in the sugar-belt to address and respond to violence against women within HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, and care and support programmes.
- Enhance efficiency and cost effective production, processing and marketing of sugar.
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OUR VALUES
Commitment to and Firm Belief in:
- Fairness
- Justice
- Equity
- Truth
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Democracy
- Honest
- Non-violence
- Change
- Respect for all Stakeholders in the sugar industry
- Respect and commitment to Protect Citizens Rights
- Spirit of volunteerism
- Zero Tolerance for Corruption
- Consultative and knowledge Based Decision Making.
Our approaches
SUCAM works with institutions and individuals for progressive change in the Sugar Industry and communities in the sugar-belt.
We recognize the need to support capacity building, strengthening and democratization of several existing institutional and community structures.
SUCAM is a campaign that advocates for change and improvement of existing institutions, and not one that seeks to replace existing institutions in any way whatsoever.
SUCAM is conceived as a resource initiative bringing together several stakeholders for the betterment of the communities living in the sugar-belts.
We provide research and information dissemination services to farmers, policy makers and other stakeholders.
We encourage and promote open dialogue between all stakeholders through various forums.
We use all possible networks to reach and inform community members about issues impacting on their lives.
As a cardinal principle we encourage and promote democracy and transparency at all levels.
We seek to highlight problems and challenges facing the sugar industry and the community at large and aim to consul and identify sustainable, efficient and equitable solutions to problems with the key aim of improvement..