“In Africa, there are an estimated 33 million smallholder farms, and the farmers that live on them contribute up to 70% of the food supply.”
This February, Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC) joins with all Canadians in marking Black History Month. As partners with communities in African countries for over 30 years, we are always aware of our shared historical and present-day connections.
This month we are celebrating and uplifting the ways that African farmers contribute to feeding the world. Despite producing most of their nations' food, small holder African farmers face some of the worst poverty and food insecurity. We stand with communities, especially our partner communities in Ethiopia, Ghana and Uganda, as they work to reclaim the strong food security that their families previously enjoyed for generations.
We continue to partner with them through community-led programming designed to increase their farming yields, withstand the negative effects of climate change, improve earning power and increase community food security. We, along with our dedicated donors and supporters, share their goal of creating a strong, food secure future for all African smallholder farmers and their children.
We also recognize the important role women farmers play in this story. Despite making up 70% of the agricultural workforce, they only earn 10% of the farming income in some African countries. CFTC is proud to stand with women farmers who, through accessing CFTC-supported programs, are increasing their own economic power, building thriving agricultural businesses, feeding their families, and helping to create food security for everyone.
Thank you to our wonderful group of dedicated donors, who make it possible for this ongoing work to continue. Your support and solidarity play a critical role in helping African smallholder farmers achieve the food security they deserve.
For Black History Month we encourage everyone to learn more about the effects of inequality on current food systems in Africa, and how they are linked to global food insecurity.
Thank you for joining us on our journey to create a just, food secure world for all.