Our work

This year, we will help almost 16,000 families along on their journey out of poverty. Each of those will go on to lend a hand to an average of 10 further families, restoring real hope to communities in rural Africa.

Those we work with include women, orphaned children, and people with HIV/AIDS. They have often lived in extreme poverty – despite their hard work. Yet now, with our support, they are starting to feed their families, send their children to school, earn a steady income, and lead happy and fulfilled lives.

Our work has three core strands: strengthening people, farming and animals and caring for the environment.

Working with people in groups, for that critical peer support, we train them in how to use their natural resources wisely to build thriving mixed crop-livestock farming systems. This includes training in natural – or organic – farming; and in livestock care. Where necessary, we provide good quality animals, seeds and tools to get families started.

As well as being cheap and effective, the farming methods we promote are kind to the environment. Families learn how to combat environmental challenges such as soil erosion and water shortages – often the result of climate change.

It’s an approach that is enabling whole communities in seven African countries to move towards self-sufficiency. And along the way, they know they can rely on the support of our extension workers.

“Now my family eats three times a day, and we are able to save in case of any future shocks. I am planning to build a house with a corrugated iron roof; and support my kids until they complete school. I also plan to train more farmers and professionals in natural farming methods. My attitude has changed: I believe that with God, nothing is impossible.”

Alemu Buka Birra, Ethiopia.