Improving the livelihoods of subsistence farmers is a key focus of AFAP’s initiatives in Africa. Approaches are holistic and recognise the complexity of rural life. Improvements to health, water supply, skills, access to government services, and improved farm productivity are just a few of the many inter-connected elements.

Many households who are collaborating with us in AFAP’s African programs are beginning to realise the need for diversification of farming systems as a strategy for addressing food insecurity. To improve agricultural productivity farmers are now cultivating new crops, adopting new species of livestock and new farming methods. Together, these interventions provide a natural safety net that increases farmers’ self-reliance and resilience to drought, floods and attacks by pests and diseases. Key interventions which have brought significant changes in the farming landscape are the introduction of improved crop seed, the introduction of new farming methods, small-scale irrigation, introduction of livestock (poultry, pigs, aquaculture, and goats), and horticulture and kitchen gardens.

Crop diversification, combined with the sale of surplus produce, has allowed farmers to improve their household disposable income and invest in additional livelihood assets for their households. As a result of improved food security and improved income from sale of crops grown and surplus produce, our work is also having positive impacts on the environment and natural resources.

Training in small business management and marketing, along with the provision of small business development grants, are also making valuable contributions to local economies and to household livelihoods.

AFAP’s Africa Livelihoods Programs:

For information about AFAP’s livelihoods activities in Africa, click APAC