It’s not just those living in war-torn or drought-affected places. Many of them are families who have farmed the same land for generations, some have small plots of land but the soil is poor, others have no way to store food to last through the ‘hungry season’. For these farmers, food insecurity and low production is not only affecting their children’s health, it’s a missed opportunity to earn a living.

Turning this around to enable farmers to make the most of their crops takes an investment in time, and a few experimental attempts, but generates a bumper-crop outcome. Because HOPE Sri Lanka’s Local partners make long-term commitments to communities, their staff are able to monitor the local conditions which have led to food insecurity, and community members have time to work together to develop the most appropriate responses.

This might mean setting up a ‘model’ organic farm, showcasing new techniques with different varieties of seed, or it might mean enlisting the cooperation of farmers willing to take a risk to trial something new. Setting up Farmers’ Groups is another effective way to enable people to share what works, purchase in bulk, learn new ideas, and support one another through hard times. From digging trenches for irrigation, grafting fruit trees for improved disease resistance, setting up worms farms and building rice storage banks, farming is better when the whole community helps.

With the right support, farming can be for everyone, as HOPE Sri Lanka’s local partners open up opportunities for people with disability, women and people without land to produce their own food. Chicken farming and hydroponics can prove wonderful income generators for people with limited mobility, and project involving female farmers have often had enormous success with women who start cooperative farms and share the workload – and the profits. Looking out for organic agricultural opportunities is one of the benefits of a community-focused program, as staff look to draw those at the margins of society towards social and economic inclusion.