Planting the seeds of change for small scale farming communities
Farming Cooperatives
In West Africa the effects of climate change are already having a huge impact on the quality of life of subsistence farmers who are stuck in a precarious struggle to feed their families. They lack knowledge of modern sustainable farming practices and use rudimentary tools and techniques.
Trapped in a cycle of poverty, families and especially women are unable to improve their yield to make a decent income or access the financial resources to invest in their businesses.
The growing effects of climate change such as irregular rainfall, droughts, flooding and changes in temperature can cause crops to fail, leaving families in desperate situations.
78% of farmers surveyed reported that they felt better economically and socially integrated into their community since joining a cooperative.
Since 2020 we have been supporting small-scale farmers to work collectively and form self-led cooperatives which enable them to pool resources, learn together and access state services.
Cooperatives are a vital part of the solution to many of the challenges faced by rural communities. They offer farmers a degree of certainty in an uncertain world, playing a key role in socio-economic development, food security, and poverty reduction.
We work with local partners and the government to help combat climate change by promoting sustainable farming techniques. In 2024, we delivered over 670 workshops dedicated to educating about organic farming and regenerative practices to reduce carbon emissions, improve soil health, and increase the community's capacity to adapt to climate-related challenges.
Our Farmer Field Schools give smallholder farmers practical experience in sustainable land management, empowering them to make positive and long-term change.
We also offer microloans that allow farmers to purchase essential inputs - such as seeds, tools, and equipment - that increase income and build economic resilience within the community. Our commitment to gender equality ensures that at least 50% of leadership positions within these cooperatives are held by women, empowering them to take on active roles in shaping their communities' futures.
In 2024, 66 new farming cooperatives were formed, resulting in 1390 rural farmers (over a third of whom are women) now having access to Microfinance and training.
By working collectively, farmers are not only improving their livelihoods but are also helping to build more resilient, sustainable communities for years to come.
DONATE NOW
£120 enables a farmer to complete their first year of training and provides them with their first ethical microloan.
£9,000 equips a community of 75 small-scale farmers with the skills to start their own cooperative, providing 12 months of essential training and giving them access to their first livelihood development loan.
60 gives one farmer access to their first ethical microloan.
