Food security

Creating a world where no one is food insecure

We can only solve the problem of food security being threatened by ensuring that everyone has access to enough food. That means we need to make sure:

• people have enough money
• they can get to essential food supplies
• there are no food shortages.

We run livelihoods programmes across the world, always working with local communities to make sure we meet their specific needs.

Many of our programmes are designed to boost families’ income so that people can make money, live well and buy what they need to survive and thrive.

Boosting crop yields to increase access to nutritious food

Around 80% of people who experience hunger live in rural areas – and the majority of them are small-scale farmers. So it makes sense that we focus on them.

We help farmers in all sorts of ways: by reclaiming their land, regenerating soil, sharing knowledge on drought-resistant crops and growing nutrient-rich produce.

By improving the soil quality, small-scale farmers are able to grow more crops – enough to feed their families – and provide fodder for their animals, which are a key source of income.

Building resilient local food systems and protecting the soil not only feeds hungry families now, but will be critical to avert large-scale future shortages. And it will help ensure food security and good nutrition for all.

Putting food insecurity solutions into action

The Diffa region of Niger has faced crisis after crisis. Climate change has led to increased droughts which erode soil fertility and put crops and livestock at risk. The local communities have had little choice but to abandon their land.

Working with the University of Diffa we’ve been testing innovative farming techniques to restore the land. For example, in the village Yambal farmers have been experimenting with plant spacing, adding compost to the soil and using natural deterrents like neem juice and herbs to combat pests.