Food and Farming

The first UN Millennium Development Goal is to "reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from extreme hunger" by 2015. Yet with the world's population expected to reach 8 billion by 2030, we need to be able to produce enough food to feed a growing population at the same time as preserving the environment for future generations. 70% of the world's poorest people live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods; these small-scale farmers face a constant struggle against hunger and malnourishment.

Find Your Feet is dedicated to supporting vulnerable rural communities in India and Malawi to secure a steady food supply whilst using sustainable farming methods that protect the natural environment. FYF partners train farmers in sustainable agriculture techniques like crop rotation, multi-cropping and composting to ensure farmers will be able to feed their families all year round now and in the future.

Case Study: supporting farmers to increase crop yields in Simlemba, Malawi

In the Simlemba district, central Malawi, 84% of the population depend on agriculture to provide their food and, if they manage to grow a surplus, their income. However, erratic rainfall and poor soils mean that crop yields are often low. FYF partner, Maleza, works with small-scale farmers training them in sustainable agriculture techniques and basic business skills that enable the farmers to increase their food production and earn an income.

James' story

With a family of nine to look after, a successful harvest is vital for James. Unable to afford fertilisers, good quality seed or appropriate farming tools and with limited access to training or advice, it was very difficult for James to produce enough food to provide for his family's needs.

"Before the project we always struggled to produce maize and pumpkin leaves. The yields were very low because of poor soil fertility and we couldn't afford to buy fertiliser."

Since joining a farming group run by Maleza, James has been trained in the production and use of organic manure and soil and water conservation.

"Since I started working with Maleza I have been able to produce more food of various types and I also make more money, three times what I could manage before. Now I appreciate the importance of growing different types of crops especially groundnuts, beans, soya and Irish potatoes since these do well even without applying fertilisers."

"The harvest has been rewarding especially for groundnuts and soy. Groundnuts have changed my family. I sell a bigger part of my groundnuts and soya and buy clothes and food for my family. I have also been able to pay school fees for Rhoda (a family member) at the community secondary school."

Through working with Maleza, James is starting to be able to build a more stable and secure future for his family. Access to agricultural and business training, good quality seed banks and low interest loans enables James to make the most of his land, allowing him to produce nutritious food and generate an income.

This work is jointly supported by Find Your Feet and Harvest Help. To find out more about Harvest Help click here to visit their website.