Economic development
Agriculture
Seed, training and market access that raise small farm harvests and income.
Illustrative photo: Richard Nyoni / Unsplash
Objective for the 2026 funding round
Help 900 smallholder farmers raise their yields by half and sell together for better prices.
Who it reaches: Smallholder farming families, most of them women.
Target$73,233
This funding window has closed. New gifts go to the next round.
From $70: improved seed and fertiliser for two family plots.
The need
Most rural families farm small plots with low yields and sell at poor prices at harvest time. Better seed, methods and storage can double what a family earns from the same land.
Why give to this cause
- Most rural families depend on farming, so better harvests change everything.
- Simple improvements in seed, methods and storage bring big gains.
- We measure yields and income before and after.
What your gift does
- $70improved seed and fertiliser for two family plots
- $180a grain storage silo that stops harvest losses
- $2,500a year of training for a 30-member farmer group
Where your donation goes
The planned budget for this cause. Every quarter, the field report shows what was actually spent against each line.
- Seed, fertiliser and toolsQuality inputs at planting time.35%$63 of $180
- Extension trainingFarmer field schools and demonstration plots.25%$45 of $180
- IrrigationTreadle pumps and drip kits for dry-season crops.15%$27 of $180
- Market linksFarmer cooperatives, storage and buyers.15%$27 of $180
- Monitoring and reportingYields and income each harvest.10%$18 of $180
How we do it
- 1
Farmer groups get training from agronomists on demonstration plots.
- 2
Inputs are bought in bulk to cut costs.
- 3
Storage lets farmers wait and sell when prices rise.
- 4
Groups are linked with buyers for better, reliable prices.
The impact your gift will have
- Farmers grow more food on the same land.
- Less of the harvest is lost after picking, thanks to better storage.
- Farm income rises, paying for school fees and healthcare.
What we measure and report
Targets for the 2026 funding round. Results against each one are published in the quarterly field report sent to every donor to this cause.
| Measure | Target |
|---|---|
| Farmers trained | 900 |
| Increase in yield per acre | 50% |
| Post-harvest losses | down 60% |
| Increase in farm income | 40% |
Join in the cause today
Make an impactful change in Africa.
Donate to agricultureFund agriculture
Your gift goes to this programme. You'll get an email receipt now and the field report every quarter.
This funding window has closed. New gifts go to the next round.
Choose an amount
- $70improved seed and fertiliser for two family plots
- $180a grain storage silo that stops harvest losses
- $2,500a year of training for a 30-member farmer group
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DonateQuestions donors ask
How can I help end poverty in Africa?
Supporting families to earn is one of the most lasting ways to help. Choose Microfinance, Agriculture, Job creation or Entrepreneurship training and give online. Choose a cause, enter your amount in US dollars and pay securely by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT and 100+ coins). You get an email receipt straight away and a field report every quarter.
How does microfinance help families in Africa?
Families borrow to buy stock, seed or tools, repay the loan and the money is lent again, so each gift helps several families over time.
Can I sponsor a family in Africa?
Our economic development and children's causes support whole households: income, food, school and savings. Choose the cause that fits, and you get a quarterly report on what it achieved.