Smallholder development
Eighty per cent of rural African people depend on smallholder agriculture for their livelihood. Most farmers have less than one hectare of land, on which they struggle to keep livestock and grow sufficient fodder and food to survive.
Through access to improved agricultural technologies and loan schemes, FARM-Africa's support proves that farm production and marketing is a viable pathway out of poverty for millions of people in Africa.
Farmer organisations are set up and linked with research organisations, so that technology flows from research institutions to smallholder farms. In addition, FARM-Africa supports farmers to make the crucial link to sustainable markets so that they can earn decent money from their crops and livestock.
How are communities benefiting?
Communities are working with local organisations, government, NGOs and the private sector to build their knowledge, skills and options for more productive farming and opportunities to make a living. Higher yielding crops and healthy livestock provide food and money for basic essentials such as medicine and school uniforms.
- Farmers are improving their agricultural skills. They are trying out new techniques and technologies such as improved seeds.
- Farmers are gaining better access to markets, seeds, tools, livestock, water and services, including credit and animal healthcare.
- Marginalised farmers are being heard by local authorities and government. They are learning about their legal rights and becoming involved in relevant policymaking.
- FARM-Africa is using the experiences of communities to build models of good-practice so that others can adopt our successfully tried and tested approaches.
