During the 1990s, farmers' organizations increased in number and the trend toward federation was strengthened. This allowed them to exert greater influence on agricultural policies, even if their proposals are taken into consideration to different extents, depending on the country and the sector. The leaders of these organizations, by increasing their involvement, have also come to understand the importance of participating in discussions surrounding agriculture at regional and international levels. They are thus able to agitate for public policies that take into account the future of African agriculture, which still plays a central role in the economies and societies of their countries.