Economic Development is not an end in itself, but an essential part of the change required so that families and communities can create nurturing environments where children can thrive. Improved incomes and financial stability in the household mean that families have the option to spend money on things that positively impact their children’s lives.
Farming as a business
Supporting farmers to grow more crops is only half the battle. Small scale farmers often find it difficult to secure a decent price for their produce. Many struggle access to profitable markets, are poorly equipped to analyse market trends and requirements, and lack the resources to take advantage of business opportunities.
World Vision supports farmer’s groups in our APs with training in marketing and business skills to help them analyze and respond to opportunities, in order to obtain a better price. Farmers coming together in associations and cooperatives means they have better bargaining power, can access credit more easily and can pull their resources to better afford transport, seeds, tools and fertiliser. We also work with farmers to develop improved storage practices, and processing and packaging techniques that add value to their produce, so they can be more competitive and raise household incomes. In communities where other non-farm income generating opportunities are more viable, we work with small scale entrepreneurs to give them the skills they need to succeed.
