• increasing productivity through improved seed and farming practices
• helping families diversify and integrate farming systems e.g. introducing livestock, which provide fertilizer as well as nutrition and profit
• improving access to markets so farming families can sell their surplus food
• teaching families and communities about dietary diversity and how to improve nutrition
• managing resources in a sustainable way to prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, use water more efficiently and protect the environment

• We help communities develop systems like grain banks, to last through periods of crisis.
• We bring together farmers in associations and cooperatives, so they have more bargaining power and better access to markets and business development services.

Rural families often grow or raise their own food, relying on crops and animals that grow well locally. They may also prefer traditional recipes that, while satisfying, may not create meals that are nutritionally balanced.

In many cases, making a few changes or additions to diet can boost children’s nutritional intake. Adding eggs to the diet, for instance, can help the body absorb iron and zinc from plant-based foods. 

Here are some of the ways that we help families:

• focus on ensuring nutrition for pregnant and lactating mothers, so babies get the best-possible start
• work with mothers of children under age five, as they’re most vulnerable to the long-term impact of malnutrition
• train volunteers to help families and communities learn about:
  • nutritious, appropriate crops to grow
  • small animals that are easy to raise
  • the nutritional benefits of varying traditional recipes, or adding new recipes
  • recognizing the signs of malnourishment among their children, and how to respond

Thanks to programs like these, children and families are healthier, have more energy and get sick less often.