We envision a world with wealthy and resilient rural areas where men, women and youth can develop their future sustainably, free of hunger and poverty.

Rural Livelihoods

Productive family farms (agriculture, silviculture, agroforestry, aquaculture and apiculture) provide food security and employment for a growing population in developing countries. However, individual farmers require supporting networks able to provide knowledge and capital.

According to our experience one of the best ways of raising the living standards of family farmers and rural households is to strengthen farmers organizations.

Strong farmers’ Organizations

Strengthening Farmers’ Organizations is a necessary condition for economic, social and political development reducing poverty and increasing food security, especially in rural areas of developing countries.

Organized farmers support the development of a more democratic society (stronger institutions and dialogue between them), economic growth (better services and productivity), and fairer and more equitable prosperity (participation of small producers, but especially of women and young people).

 Stronger producer organizations are more entrepreneurial and innovative. They can defend the interests of their members more effectively and negotiate better agreements with other actors in value chains. When crises occur, democratically and fairly operating producer organizations can stabilize society.

Improving rural well-being requires that producers and their businesses get their products on the market, which in turn requires efficient advisory services, credit services, and good quality inputs. By joint marketing, producers gain a stronger negotiating position and are able to protect themselves from being exploited.