As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for food. However, the majority of the world’s 570 million smallholder farmers face significant challenges in accessing markets, improving yields, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Land O’Lakes International Development is committed to empowering these farmers to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods through sustainable agriculture.
A Growing Need for Sustainable Agriculture
The challenges faced by smallholder farmers are numerous. Many struggle to access credit, input markets, and technology, leaving them vulnerable to market fluctuations and environmental shocks. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, smallholder farmers produce around 70% of the world’s food, yet they often earn less than $2 per day.
Land O’Lakes International Development’s Approach
Land O’Lakes International Development is a non-profit organization that works with farmers, governments, and communities to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Our approach is centered around empowering farmers through training, capacity building, and market access.
Our programs focus on three key areas:
- Inclusive Market Access: We work with farmers to access new markets, improve market information, and develop trade relationships.
- Innovative Agricultural Practices: We provide training and technology to farmers to improve their agricultural practices, increase yields, and reduce environmental impacts.
- Financial Services: We work with farmers to access financial services, such as credit and savings, to help them manage risk and invest in their businesses.
Cases in Point: Successful Programs
Our programs have had significant impacts on the lives of smallholder farmers around the world. For example:
- In Tanzania, our program helped over 15,000 smallholder farmers access new markets and increase their incomes by 20%.
- In Ghana, our program improved the agricultural practices of over 20,000 farmers, increasing their yields by 15% and reducing their use of chemical fertilizers.
- In Guatemala, our program provided financial services to over 10,000 farmers, helping them access credit and savings to invest in their businesses.
A Sustainable Future for Agriculture
Empowering smallholder farmers is critical to achieving sustainable agriculture. By providing access to markets, technology, and financial services, we can help farmers improve their livelihoods and contribute to global food security.
Land O’Lakes International Development is committed to continuing our work with smallholder farmers, governments, and communities to build a more sustainable and food-secure world. Together, we can create a brighter future for farmers and consumers alike.
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