drought

Frequent drought means that 30-40% of the population experiences chronic hunger every year. Families who own land have tiny plots and depend on agriculture, livestock rearing, horticulture and forestry for their survival. Harvests are small and the land suffers from over-cultivation, over-grazing, pest infestation and drought.

agricultural techniques

We work with local organisations to construct irrigation channels, and train farmers in pest control and agricultural techniques that enrich rather than deplete the soil, conserve water, prevent erosion and increase the harvest.

unequal distribution of assets

But it is not only lack of rain that deprives poor rural people of basic food and water. The unequal distribution of assets, government policies that inhibit food production and an inadequate public distribution system in times of food shortages all badly affect poor people.

influencing

We are playing a leading role in the global campaign to influence agricultural and patenting policies to protect poor farmers' rights to traditional seeds and plants.