YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
How far did your donation go?
Whether you’re supporting farmer-to-farmer promoters, empowering women and youth, or advancing agroecological practices, your generosity is helping make real change. Meet 10 farmers whose journeys you’ve helped shape this year, and learn how your continued support can bring their aspirations to life in the years ahead.
Mohammed, Senegal
Mohammed is leading critical efforts to revitalize the land and scale agroecology in Senegal. By experimenting with diverse agroecological techniques, he’s improving yields and inspiring his community to embrace regenerative farming. He recently turned his garden into an experimental “model farm” where he invites agronomy students to learn about alternative farming methods. On weekends, he mentors young people on the benefits and challenges of agroecology, helping them set realistic expectations, solidifying his role as a key player in promoting agroecology in Senegal.
Rubí, Mexico
In the Mestizo community of Oaxaca, Mexico, Rubí stands out with her radiant smile and commitment to preserving ancient seeds. Through her dedication, she ensures that these vital traditions are passed on for generations to come. Watch as Rubí shares the value of local knowledge and cultural heritage and how it integrates with agroecology in this short film, featured in our 2024 Field to Film Festival.
Dibihan, Mali
Dibihan is a driving force behind community-led efforts to combat land degradation and provide shelter to displaced families in the Sahel. Using agroecological practices, she has turned barren fields into fertile ground in Mali, enabling her community to grow diverse, nutritious crops. She has played a pivotal role in integrating refugees into her village, promoting solidarity and showing the potential of agroecology as a peace-building solution.
Cynnedie-Anne, Haiti
Cynnedie-Anne was one of the young panelists at our latest Field to Film Festival. Her powerful words and the compelling short film she presented showcase the impact of co-building solutions with communities to address land degradation, poverty, and climate change. In a nation grappling with a grave political, economic and humanitarian crisis, Cynnedie-Anne brilliantly demonstrates how youth can lead the way in instilling hope and resilience in their communities. A short film you’ll want to watch and share again and again!
El Hadji, Senegal
When we met El Hadji in Kaffrine, Senegal, we couldn’t help but wonder how he stayed motivated in his work. Each day, he faces the unforgiving realities of drought, extreme heat, and limited access to resources. But as he began to demonstrate his work with Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), his eyes and voice lit up with passion.
Standing at the beginning of his journey to restore dry lands, El Hadji remains steadfast despite the challenges. His goal? To restore the land and secure a better future for the next generation. We’re excited to follow and support his journey ahead.
Angélica, Guatemala
In the heart of Guatemala, Angélica is providing vital support to rural communities. She works with 32 families, teaching them to create compost, make natural repellents, and grow organic gardens. Angélica’s influence extends to schools, where she helped replace processed foods with nutritious, locally prepared meals. For her, this work is vital, as it connects young people with the value of “healthy food prepared by familiar hands.” Beyond her technical knowledge, Angélica is a true leader who believes in the power of women.
“Our role [ as women] is fundamental, as we grow and prepare the food that nourishes our families with effort and love.”
Angélica’s dream is to expand her garden and pass down her knowledge to her children, preserving indigenous traditions to shape healthy local food systems.
Sharmila, Nepal
Sharmila is a young woman from Nepal who produced a beautiful film this year explaining the impact of locally-made organic fertilizers on women farmers in her community. As she documents these practices that donors like you help expand throughout the Global South, she stays committed to spreading agroecology, inspiring younger generations to shape farming and food systems adapted to local realities.
Alma, Mexico
Alma is one of her village’s craftswomen, weaving traditional matrimonial blankets that stand the test of time. With the women in her village, she strives to preserve traditional crafts and values and pass them down to younger generations.
“In every thread they weave and every seed they plant, Indigenous women preserve culture and sow the future.”
Alma shared her story earlier this year in a video celebrating the craft of Indigenous women in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, underscoring the importance of safeguarding cultural identity and the deep pride these women take in their heritage.
Samjhana, Nepal
With a modest interest-free loan, Samjhana built a herd of buffaloes—and hope. She could turn one opportunity into a lifeline for her family, inspiring others in her community to dream bigger. Her journey shows how one simple change can transform a life, proving that the right support can make all the difference for smallholder farmers. Keep an eye on your inbox, we’ll share her full story towards the end of the year.
Emmanuel, Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, Emmanuel has turned barren fields into thriving farmland through agroecology.
His farm now provides enough food to support his family and surplus to sell, creating a stable income and enabling him to build resilience to rising challenges, especially in country neglected by international aid.
Driven by his success, he remains committed to sharing his knowledge, helping more farmers transform their land and livelihoods.
Support these farmers in their journey ahead
As the year comes to an end, new challenges will arise. These farmers have come so far, but with your support, they can continue to pursue their work and spread hope in their communities and beyond. Your end-of-year gift will enable communities in the Global South to keep building healthy farming and food systems rooted in local knowledge, driven by people, and ready to face the climate crisis head-on.