Frequently Asked Questions

What is FARM-Africa?

FARM-Africa is a specialist, non-governmental organisation that works with marginalised farmers and herders in Africa. We aim to reduce poverty through developing innovative approaches to natural resource management, helping African farmers find their own pathways out of poverty.

We are a registered charity in the UK (Registered Charity Number 326901) and a registered company (Registered Company Number 01926828).

For information on all of our current projects please click on the ‘What we do’ tab. We have an interactive map that shows where each of our projects is located and if you click on the box you will find a summary of each project.

FARM-Africa aims to share the lessons learned from our experiences with a number of outreach countries, other organisations and individuals to increase the impact of our successful grassroots projects.

Where does FARM-Africa work?

FARM-Africa works in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan.

Ethiopia
South Omo Zone, Bonga Forest (Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State - SNNPRS) Chilimo and Borana Forest (Oromiya Region), & Zones 3 & 5 (Afar Region)
Kenya
Meru Central, Meru South, Isiolo, Mwingi, Kitui, Marsabit and Moyale Districts
South Sudan
Kapoeta North and Kapoeta South counties, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan
Tanzania
Babati, Mbulu & Hanang Districts (Manyara Region)
Uganda
Luweero, Nakasongola and Nakaseke Districts

Why do we work where we work?

FARM-Africa was established in Kenya in 1985 and its first project was the 1986 Kenya Pastoralist Development Project. From this point, we expanded our work to neighbouring countries; Ethiopia in the north and Tanzania in the south, often in partnership with AMREF.

FARM-Africa started work in Uganda in 2003 and Southern Sudan in 2005.

What is the Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund?

The Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and The Gatsby Charitable Foundation (through The Kilimo Trust) and managed by FARM-Africa. It supports the transfer of innovative agricultural technologies to smallholder farming communities working in partnership with research institutions, NGOs or the private sector by providing small grants to projects in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Further information is available on the MATF website.

Who set up FARM-Africa?

FARM-Africa was set up in 1985 by Sir Michael Wood (founder and director of the African Medical Research Foundation - AMREF) and David Campbell (then East Africa director of OXFAM). Both shared a vision of a 'prosperous rural Africa', which continues to be reflected in FARM-Africa's mission statement and activities today.

How does FARM-Africa work?

We work in partnership with communities, community-based oranisations, governments and the private sector to develop more sustainable ways of managing Africa's natural resources. We link farmers and researchers and encourage the involvement of 'farmer researchers', helping them to develop research skills as well as improving their practical expertise.

What does the 'F.A.R.M.' in FARM-Africa stand for?

It stands for Food and Agricultural Research Management - Africa, reflecting our aim to research better agricultural and natural resource practices in partnership with rural communities.

Are there countries that FARM-Africa will not work in for political reasons (e.g. the current situation in Zimbabwe)?

FARM-Africa seeks solidarity with farmers and herders irrespective of the nature of the government of their country. In each country where FARM-Africa works, security and stability are key to us to carry out our work. We concentrate on countries where there is a huge need for our support, but where national security and political stability provide a conducive environment for long-term development work - in this way we can carry out our work in safety.

How is FARM-Africa funded?

FARM-Africa receives funding through a variety of sources, including statutory donors, the general public, trusts and major donors. Sources of its charitable income include:

Trusts
Companies
Individual donations from the public
Donations from churches
Fundraising from educational and fun initiatives in schools
Government International Development Departments (particularly the UK, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden and USA)
European Commission
International charities including Ethiopia Aid, Christian Aid, the Dutch agencies, NOVIB (a member of Oxfam International), Cordaid and German Agro Action
The Community Fund and Comic Relief

How do we spend our money?

To learn more about how FARM-Africa spends its money, please see our Annual Report and Accounts.

Is FARM-Africa involved in emergency work?

FARM-Africa is not a relief agency. However since we operate in remote and often marginalised areas, we may be the only NGO present when an emergency strikes. As such, we are well placed in raising the alarm and advocating rapid responses from specialist relief agencies. However, if help is not forthcoming FARM-Africa will get involved in emergency feeding programmes, through targeted employment generation schemes, if possible. When involved in emergency situations FARM-Africa always integrates development principles into relief work to ensure the greatest long-term benefit possible for the stricken communities.

What is FARM-Africa's perspective on HIV/AIDS?

FARM-Africa recognises the profound impact of HIV/AIDS on the communities with whom we work. However, we are not a specialist HIV/AIDS organisation - but will collaborate with such specialist organisations where appropriate. Some of our programmes do have a reproductive health component - e.g. The Participatory Forest Management Programme in Ethiopia and Tanzania, where forest communities are encouraged to balance their families with available resources.

Can I work for / volunteer for FARM-Africa?

The London office recruits staff for posts in Britain and senior posts in Africa. Other in-country posts in Africa are recruited locally. When recruiting staff, full job details will be posted on our website, as well as advertising in the mainstream press. We also make use of the BOND network to advertise any new positions.

FARM-Africa occasionally works with volunteers in the London office and any such opportunities will be posted on the website. However we are unable to respond to unsolicited applications.

Can FARM-Africa provide funding for my project?

FARM-Africa is not a donor agency. As a small non-funding organisation, we need all the money raised for our own programmes in East Africa. However, the one exception to this is The Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund, which we manage and which provides small grants to agricultural projects in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Further information is available at www.maendeleo-atf.org

Who are Friends of FARM?

Friends of FARM is a network of supporters who support FARM-Africa on a more committed and regular basis. Since its launch in 1992, the network has expanded to 22 groups all over Britain with a couple more in Kenya. Friends of FARM raise funds to support our work and get involved in all sorts of activities, from running information stands at agricultural shows to holding receptions and meetings. Further information is available at the Friends of FARM pages.

Unsatisfied with your service?

FARM-Africa is a member of the Fundraising Standards Board, and is committed to best practice in fundraising. As such, we aim to adhere to the Codes of Fundraising Practice, as established by the Institute of Fundraising (www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk). If you have a complaint about FARM-Africa's fundraising, please address it to Rachel Beckett, FARM-Africa, Clifford's Inn, Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1BZ and we will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within seven working days.

All complaints are fully investigated within three months and if you are dissatisfied with our response at the end of that process, you can refer the matter for further investigation by the Fundraising Standards Board. Full details of this process will be sent with our acknowledgement of any initial complaint.