Ms. Estrella Penunia

Ms. Ma. Estrella “Esther” Penunia serves as Secretary General of the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), an alliance of 22 national farmers' organizations from 16 Asian countries, representing about 13 million family farmers in various sectors. AFA's agenda encompasses natural resource rights, sustainable agroecological systems, viable cooperatives, women's empowerment, youth in agriculture, and effective FO management. Its programs include capacity building, knowledge management, and policy advocacy. Esther has over three decades of rural development experience, ranging from community organizing, participatory research, training, gender advocacy, consulting, campaigns coordination, to NGO leadership. She was also appointed FAO Special Ambassador for the 2014 International Year of Family Farming.