As the new Chief Executive of Farm Africa, I feel privileged to lead such an inspiring and committed organisation. I look forward to seeing our programmes grow, and to working with you, our supporters, to help make this happen.

It is true that times are challenging and uncertain. But I have seen the impact of our work first-hand, and I know what Farm Africa means to the people we are helping. It is for each and every one of them that I am determined to keep up the momentum and to build on our success. I know that together we can extend our reach even further.

There is a huge amount of potential in the farmland of Africa that is just waiting to be unlocked. That’s why, at Farm Africa, we give people the tools and expertise they need to work their own way out of poverty. Together we can pioneer techniques that boost harvests, build incomes and transform lives.

In this edition of From the Field we will introduce you to some of these people. There’s Ann, a retired school teacher turned fish farmer and entrepreneur. There are farmers like Martin, whose creativity and innovation is changing the face of sesame farming in Tanzania.

And then there is Rose, who at 80 years old, should be an inspiration to us all.

As we launch our new organisational strategy, I will do my utmost to ensure that our work is as effective and far-reaching as possible.

With the right support we can give more people like Ann, Martin and Rose the keys to transform not only their own lives, but also those of future generations. Together we are creating real change for Africa’s farmers.

Theirs is a story that is only just beginning.

Nicolas MounardChief Executive

YOUR AUTUMN NEWS FROM FARM AFRICA

IN THIS ISSUE:

FROM THE FIELDAutumn 2016

'Coffee is Life’ – an update

Groundbreaking inventions in Tanzania

Fishing for success in Kenya

9th FloorBastion House140 London WallLondon EC2Y 5DN

020 7430 0440info@farmafrica.orgwww.farmafrica.orgRegistered charity no. 326901

OYSTER MUSHROOMS: A TANZANIAN PEARL

It might not be pretty, but in Tanzania’s Nou Forest the oyster mushroom sure is turning heads. Who would have known that these small white clusters could transform the lives of women across the community?

Just £12 could help more farmers find ways to earn a reliable, year-round income without damaging the forest in which they live.

Magdalena is one of them. Sixty years old, she has lived in the Nou Forest since she was born. She and her family used to live off the income made through traditional crop farming and livestock. But as the forest was cut back to make way for new grazing land, Magdalena’s homeland was slowly being destroyed.

To help stop the deforestation, Magdalena became one of 700 farmers trained by Farm Africa. The crop of choice? Oyster mushrooms.

Something of a hidden pearl, oyster mushrooms only need a small amount of space to grow. This means that they can be farmed at home and are the perfect crop for women with families. They also have a short life cycle and grow in all seasons - making mushroom farming an income to be relied on all year round.

For Magdalena, oyster mushrooms offer a solution that is not only conserving the forest, but that also gives her the chance to invest in her family’s future.

“As a woman, mushroom farming has been important to me, because today I am able to contribute to the household income, whereas previously this was my husband’s responsibility.”

Oyster mushrooms earn Magdalena’s family an extra 480,000 Tanzanian Shillings (around £167) every year. Their single biggest source of income, the money is being put to good use.

“With the extra money we have been able to send all our children to school, improve our diets and afford medical costs. We have also been able to improve our home and invest in our business.”

Mushrooms are now Magdalena’s biggest source of income.

REACHING MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER

88p

12p

£1 Charitable activitiesGenerating funds

YEAR: 20152014201320122011

700,000

900,000

1.5 m

1.4 m

1.8

m

Number of people reached per year:

In 2015, Farm Africa reached more people than ever before - a huge 1.8 million! We also delivered better value for money, with 88p in every £1 being spent on charitable activities.

We are proud to be making real changes to the lives of so many farming families across eastern Africa – from fish farmers in Kenya to coffee growers in the mountains of Ethiopia.

We simply couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our supporters.

Across Africa, 874 million hectares of land are considered suitable for farming. However, a huge number of farmers often struggle to earn enough to make ends meet.

In many regions of Ethiopia, particularly in and around Lake Hawassa, soil degradation and damage to natural resources caused by extreme weather and poor resource management means harvests are often small, or fail completely. Many farmers find earning a good living from their land almost impossible.

That’s why climate-smart agriculture is at the top of Farm Africa’s agenda.

With the right support, farmers can find ways to manage the risks caused by unpredictable weather, whilst making a positive contribution by using agricultural techniques that restore natural resources and reduce carbon emissions.

A gift of £360 could help more farmers learn about climate-smart agriculture, so their livelihoods – and futures – are no longer completely dictated by the weather.

Climate-smart agriculture gives farmers the best chance of a good harvest, despite unpredictable weather.

By working with farmers and theircommunities to make small changes to their traditional farming methods, for example by introducing seeds for planting drought-tolerant crops, or intercropping (growing different crops close together), we are increasing their chances of a successful harvest, whatever the weather.

We are also providing training where farmers can learn how to diversify their incomes by growing new cash crops such as sesame – and we link them with buyers so they can sell their harvests for the best possible price.

Climate-smart agriculture is not only changing the lives of thousands of farmers, it is helping to ensure farming is sustainable in the long term. With their livelihoods no longer completely controlled by the weather, farmers can work together to grow more, earn more and safeguard their communities’ futures – whatever the forecast.

SAFEGUARDING FUTURES, WHATEVER THE WEATHER

T: 020 7430 0440E: info@farmafrica.orgW: www.farmafrica.org Registered charity no. 326901

COFFEE IS LIFE - FARM AFRICA SUPPORTERS RAISE OVER £81,000Earlier this year we launched our 'Coffee is Life' appeal. Raising over £81,000, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters. Thank you.

Our appeal told the story of Munaja, a mother and coffee farmer living in Ethiopia. Poor quality harvests can mean that many farmers in Oromia struggle to get by on less than $1 per day. This wouldn’t buy a cup of coffee in the UK, and it doesn’t buy Munaja enough to provide for her family.

This year, thanks to the generosity of Farm Africa supporters, the harvest will be different.

With Farm Africa’s support, Munaja and her fellow coffee farmers have been working hard to build a new storage house with a cement floor. They used to have no choice but to dry their beans on the ground. But this new building offers life-changing protection. The new storage house will dramatically reduce the amount of moisture that the coffee soaks up. It will also protect the crops from pests. Both of these ruin flavours, drive down prices and destroy livelihoods.

Building work is set to be complete in time for the next coffee harvest in October. Soon Munaja and the other farmers will have a clean and dry space to store their beans ready for sale. Not only will their coffee be of the highest quality, the group can also combine their produce and sell in bulk. This gives them bargaining power. And with the Farm Africa team providing training and support, we can make sure that their coffee is sold for the best price.

The next time you go for a cup of coffee, stop for a second. Ask yourself where it came from, and be proud that you are helping coffee farmers like Munaja to lift themselves out of poverty.

Go on, have another cup.

Thanks to Farm Africa supporters, Munaja and her fellow coffee farmers are looking forward to earning more from their next coffee harvest.

AQUACULTURE: A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Fish is an essential source of protein in the Kenyan diet, but local stocks are falling dangerously low. Aquaculture, or fish farming, is a great way to earn a living and to restock supplies. The Kenyan Government is investing in aquaculture, and with the Farm Africa team on hand to help, fish farming is an industry on the up.

Recognising the potential of fish farming to improve local livelihoods, the Kenyan Government is supporting would-be fish farmers like Ann to set up their own ponds. The new farmers are given free fingerlings (baby fish) to start them off. But a lack of training and specialist equipment means that too many farms have been failing.

Ann’s first harvest earnt her just £29. Discouraged and disheartened, she almost gave up.

Farm Africa believes that fish farming is an effective way to generate income and to provide families with an important source of protein. That’s why we set up a network of Aqua shops to sell essential supplies and offer support to fish farmers.

When Ann reached out to the Farm Africa team, we encouraged her to try fish farming again. This time we made sure that she attended specialist training.

£120 could help ensure more fish farmers like Ann can access the essential supplies and support they need to make their ponds a success.

Ann is now a successful fish farmer.

She was also given access to good quality fish food and fingerlings to restock her pond.

The team from the Aqua shop visited her regularly, and sure enough, Ann’s second harvest earnt her £177. Inspired, she used the money to build a second pond - with her next harvest raising £430. That’s 15 times more than her first attempt!

Aquaculture has transformed Ann’s life. Her children eat a balanced diet, and a new freezer means that she can sell her fish between harvests. There’s already a team of hoteliers and fishmongers on her books. And with four more ponds and a fingerling hatchery in the pipeline, her sights are set on national markets.

Not bad for a beginner.

MARTIN CONSTANTINE: THE FARMER OF INVENTION

Sesame is a small seed with big potential. It’s in high demand across the world, and it’s this demand that led Martin, a Tanzanian farmer, to a ‘groundbreaking’ invention.

Traditional farming techniques for sesame are tough and time consuming. Painstakingly planting by hand, farmers like Martin cover vast distances, bending over repeatedly to dig small holes for each seed. It is a back-breaking process.

Farm Africa is working in Tanzania’s Babati district to help 2,000 farmers grow bigger and better sesame harvests. Martin is one of them.

As part of his training, Martin was shown how to speed up his planting by using a stick to carve a furrow. But this technique planted more than just seeds. It planted an idea.

Martin welded three metal prongs together to create a tool that carved three planting lines at once. The design has even evolved to include small containers for a mix of seeds and soil. Dubbed the ‘Costa Planter’, seeds are dropped every 15 centimetres and covered by the planter with soil.

The result is a revelation.

Thanks to his increased harvests and the money he makes from selling and renting out his machines, Martin’s income has climbed from £95 to £1,888 a year, a 20 fold increase! His farm is thriving with goats, cattle, chickens and fish. His family eats three meals a day, and he can afford to send his children to school. He has even helped his wife to set up her own business.

Sesame is the seed that will see Martin outgrow poverty. And as a Farm Africa cooperative member, he is keen to support others: “I share what I have learnt with others and so far have provided training for almost 500 farmers. Up to now around 1,200 farmers are using my rake planter and 90 are using the Costa Planter.”

More than 1,200 sesame farmers are saving precious time thanks to Martin’s invention.

A gift of £60 could help provide training for more farmers like Martin, allowing them to increase their incomes and unlock their potential.

SEEDS OF CHANGE Rose is 80 years old. Like many her age, she is a grandparent. But to her four grandchildren, she is much more than that. She is their future.

After the death of her two sons, Rose took on the care of their young families. She is determined to give them the best chance to build their own futures. And that plan starts with education.

But Rose lives in the Kitui region of Kenya. Here, unpredictable weather meant her family was living hand-to-mouth. If the rains didn’t fall, she would struggle to harvest enough food. With no surplus crops to sell, she couldn’t afford to support her grandchildren’s schooling.

In 2014 Rose became involved in Farm Africa’s project and joined the Kathivo farmers’ group. Our team taught the farmers all about water and soil conservation. They also showed them how to grow drought-tolerant crops. It was then that Rose’s situation began to change.

Rose and the Kathivo farmers’ group worked so well together that Farm Africa chose them to become seed suppliers. This meant that they would learn how to produce high-quality seeds suitable for sale - giving farmers across the region the best chance of a good harvest. When Farm Africa linked the group with a local seed company, Rose knew she had an income she could rely on.

Today Rose is safe in the knowledge that she can now earn enough to meet her family’s needs. She doesn’t need to worry about her grandchildren’s future any more. They’re living it.

“I am putting lots of effort into making sure they go to school. I look forward to them becoming more educated so they can stand on their own. They will be able to get good jobs and our family will be recognised and respected in the community.”

£32 could help more farmers like Rose learn how to produce high-quality seeds, so they can earn a reliable income.

Rose can now support her grandchildren’s schooling.

COFFEE IS LIFE - FARM AFRICA SUPPORTERS RAISE OVER £81,000Earlier this year we launched our 'Coffee is Life' appeal. Raising over £81,000, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters. Thank you.

Our appeal told the story of Munaja, a mother and coffee farmer living in Ethiopia. Poor quality harvests can mean that many farmers in Oromia struggle to get by on less than $1 per day. This wouldn’t buy a cup of coffee in the UK, and it doesn’t buy Munaja enough to provide for her family.

This year, thanks to the generosity of Farm Africa supporters, the harvest will be different.

With Farm Africa’s support, Munaja and her fellow coffee farmers have been working hard to build a new storage house with a cement floor. They used to have no choice but to dry their beans on the ground. But this new building offers life-changing protection. The new storage house will dramatically reduce the amount of moisture that the coffee soaks up. It will also protect the crops from pests. Both of these ruin flavours, drive down prices and destroy livelihoods.

Building work is set to be complete in time for the next coffee harvest in October. Soon Munaja and the other farmers will have a clean and dry space to store their beans ready for sale. Not only will their coffee be of the highest quality, the group can also combine their produce and sell in bulk. This gives them bargaining power. And with the Farm Africa team providing training and support, we can make sure that their coffee is sold for the best price.

The next time you go for a cup of coffee, stop for a second. Ask yourself where it came from, and be proud that you are helping coffee farmers like Munaja to lift themselves out of poverty.

Go on, have another cup.

Thanks to Farm Africa supporters, Munaja and her fellow coffee farmers are looking forward to earning more from their next coffee harvest.

AQUACULTURE: A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Fish is an essential source of protein in the Kenyan diet, but local stocks are falling dangerously low. Aquaculture, or fish farming, is a great way to earn a living and to restock supplies. The Kenyan Government is investing in aquaculture, and with the Farm Africa team on hand to help, fish farming is an industry on the up.

Recognising the potential of fish farming to improve local livelihoods, the Kenyan Government is supporting would-be fish farmers like Ann to set up their own ponds. The new farmers are given free fingerlings (baby fish) to start them off. But a lack of training and specialist equipment means that too many farms have been failing.

Ann’s first harvest earnt her just £29. Discouraged and disheartened, she almost gave up.

Farm Africa believes that fish farming is an effective way to generate income and to provide families with an important source of protein. That’s why we set up a network of Aqua shops to sell essential supplies and offer support to fish farmers.

When Ann reached out to the Farm Africa team, we encouraged her to try fish farming again. This time we made sure that she attended specialist training.

£120 could help ensure more fish farmers like Ann can access the essential supplies and support they need to make their ponds a success.

Ann is now a successful fish farmer.

She was also given access to good quality fish food and fingerlings to restock her pond.

The team from the Aqua shop visited her regularly, and sure enough, Ann’s second harvest earnt her £177. Inspired, she used the money to build a second pond - with her next harvest raising £430. That’s 15 times more than her first attempt!

Aquaculture has transformed Ann’s life. Her children eat a balanced diet, and a new freezer means that she can sell her fish between harvests. There’s already a team of hoteliers and fishmongers on her books. And with four more ponds and a fingerling hatchery in the pipeline, her sights are set on national markets.

Not bad for a beginner.

MARTIN CONSTANTINE: THE FARMER OF INVENTION

Sesame is a small seed with big potential. It’s in high demand across the world, and it’s this demand that led Martin, a Tanzanian farmer, to a ‘groundbreaking’ invention.

Traditional farming techniques for sesame are tough and time consuming. Painstakingly planting by hand, farmers like Martin cover vast distances, bending over repeatedly to dig small holes for each seed. It is a back-breaking process.

Farm Africa is working in Tanzania’s Babati district to help 2,000 farmers grow bigger and better sesame harvests. Martin is one of them.

As part of his training, Martin was shown how to speed up his planting by using a stick to carve a furrow. But this technique planted more than just seeds. It planted an idea.

Martin welded three metal prongs together to create a tool that carved three planting lines at once. The design has even evolved to include small containers for a mix of seeds and soil. Dubbed the ‘Costa Planter’, seeds are dropped every 15 centimetres and covered by the planter with soil.

The result is a revelation.

Thanks to his increased harvests and the money he makes from selling and renting out his machines, Martin’s income has climbed from £95 to £1,888 a year, a 20 fold increase! His farm is thriving with goats, cattle, chickens and fish. His family eats three meals a day, and he can afford to send his children to school. He has even helped his wife to set up her own business.

Sesame is the seed that will see Martin outgrow poverty. And as a Farm Africa cooperative member, he is keen to support others: “I share what I have learnt with others and so far have provided training for almost 500 farmers. Up to now around 1,200 farmers are using my rake planter and 90 are using the Costa Planter.”

More than 1,200 sesame farmers are saving precious time thanks to Martin’s invention.

A gift of £60 could help provide training for more farmers like Martin, allowing them to increase their incomes and unlock their potential.

SEEDS OF CHANGE Rose is 80 years old. Like many her age, she is a grandparent. But to her four grandchildren, she is much more than that. She is their future.

After the death of her two sons, Rose took on the care of their young families. She is determined to give them the best chance to build their own futures. And that plan starts with education.

But Rose lives in the Kitui region of Kenya. Here, unpredictable weather meant her family was living hand-to-mouth. If the rains didn’t fall, she would struggle to harvest enough food. With no surplus crops to sell, she couldn’t afford to support her grandchildren’s schooling.

In 2014 Rose became involved in Farm Africa’s project and joined the Kathivo farmers’ group. Our team taught the farmers all about water and soil conservation. They also showed them how to grow drought-tolerant crops. It was then that Rose’s situation began to change.

Rose and the Kathivo farmers’ group worked so well together that Farm Africa chose them to become seed suppliers. This meant that they would learn how to produce high-quality seeds suitable for sale - giving farmers across the region the best chance of a good harvest. When Farm Africa linked the group with a local seed company, Rose knew she had an income she could rely on.

Today Rose is safe in the knowledge that she can now earn enough to meet her family’s needs. She doesn’t need to worry about her grandchildren’s future any more. They’re living it.

“I am putting lots of effort into making sure they go to school. I look forward to them becoming more educated so they can stand on their own. They will be able to get good jobs and our family will be recognised and respected in the community.”

£32 could help more farmers like Rose learn how to produce high-quality seeds, so they can earn a reliable income.

Rose can now support her grandchildren’s schooling.

As the new Chief Executive of Farm Africa, I feel privileged to lead such an inspiring and committed organisation. I look forward to seeing our programmes grow, and to working with you, our supporters, to help make this happen.

It is true that times are challenging and uncertain. But I have seen the impact of our work first-hand, and I know what Farm Africa means to the people we are helping. It is for each and every one of them that I am determined to keep up the momentum and to build on our success. I know that together we can extend our reach even further.

There is a huge amount of potential in the farmland of Africa that is just waiting to be unlocked. That’s why, at Farm Africa, we give people the tools and expertise they need to work their own way out of poverty. Together we can pioneer techniques that boost harvests, build incomes and transform lives.

In this edition of From the Field we will introduce you to some of these people. There’s Ann, a retired school teacher turned fish farmer and entrepreneur. There are farmers like Martin, whose creativity and innovation is changing the face of sesame farming in Tanzania.

And then there is Rose, who at 80 years old, should be an inspiration to us all.

As we launch our new organisational strategy, I will do my utmost to ensure that our work is as effective and far-reaching as possible.

With the right support we can give more people like Ann, Martin and Rose the keys to transform not only their own lives, but also those of future generations. Together we are creating real change for Africa’s farmers.

Theirs is a story that is only just beginning.

Nicolas MounardChief Executive

YOUR AUTUMN NEWS FROM FARM AFRICA

IN THIS ISSUE:

FROM THE FIELDAutumn 2016

'Coffee is Life’ – an update

Groundbreaking inventions in Tanzania

Fishing for success in Kenya

9th FloorBastion House140 London WallLondon EC2Y 5DN

020 7430 0440info@farmafrica.orgwww.farmafrica.orgRegistered charity no. 326901

OYSTER MUSHROOMS: A TANZANIAN PEARL

It might not be pretty, but in Tanzania’s Nou Forest the oyster mushroom sure is turning heads. Who would have known that these small white clusters could transform the lives of women across the community?

Just £12 could help more farmers find ways to earn a reliable, year-round income without damaging the forest in which they live.

Magdalena is one of them. Sixty years old, she has lived in the Nou Forest since she was born. She and her family used to live off the income made through traditional crop farming and livestock. But as the forest was cut back to make way for new grazing land, Magdalena’s homeland was slowly being destroyed.

To help stop the deforestation, Magdalena became one of 700 farmers trained by Farm Africa. The crop of choice? Oyster mushrooms.

Something of a hidden pearl, oyster mushrooms only need a small amount of space to grow. This means that they can be farmed at home and are the perfect crop for women with families. They also have a short life cycle and grow in all seasons - making mushroom farming an income to be relied on all year round.

For Magdalena, oyster mushrooms offer a solution that is not only conserving the forest, but that also gives her the chance to invest in her family’s future.

“As a woman, mushroom farming has been important to me, because today I am able to contribute to the household income, whereas previously this was my husband’s responsibility.”

Oyster mushrooms earn Magdalena’s family an extra 480,000 Tanzanian Shillings (around £167) every year. Their single biggest source of income, the money is being put to good use.

“With the extra money we have been able to send all our children to school, improve our diets and afford medical costs. We have also been able to improve our home and invest in our business.”

Mushrooms are now Magdalena’s biggest source of income.

REACHING MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER

88p

12p

£1 Charitable activitiesGenerating funds

YEAR: 20152014201320122011

700,000

900,000

1.5 m

1.4 m

1.8

m

Number of people reached per year:

In 2015, Farm Africa reached more people than ever before - a huge 1.8 million! We also delivered better value for money, with 88p in every £1 being spent on charitable activities.

We are proud to be making real changes to the lives of so many farming families across eastern Africa – from fish farmers in Kenya to coffee growers in the mountains of Ethiopia.

We simply couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our supporters.

Across Africa, 874 million hectares of land are considered suitable for farming. However, a huge number of farmers often struggle to earn enough to make ends meet.

In many regions of Ethiopia, particularly in and around Lake Hawassa, soil degradation and damage to natural resources caused by extreme weather and poor resource management means harvests are often small, or fail completely. Many farmers find earning a good living from their land almost impossible.

That’s why climate-smart agriculture is at the top of Farm Africa’s agenda.

With the right support, farmers can find ways to manage the risks caused by unpredictable weather, whilst making a positive contribution by using agricultural techniques that restore natural resources and reduce carbon emissions.

A gift of £360 could help more farmers learn about climate-smart agriculture, so their livelihoods – and futures – are no longer completely dictated by the weather.

Climate-smart agriculture gives farmers the best chance of a good harvest, despite unpredictable weather.

By working with farmers and theircommunities to make small changes to their traditional farming methods, for example by introducing seeds for planting drought-tolerant crops, or intercropping (growing different crops close together), we are increasing their chances of a successful harvest, whatever the weather.

We are also providing training where farmers can learn how to diversify their incomes by growing new cash crops such as sesame – and we link them with buyers so they can sell their harvests for the best possible price.

Climate-smart agriculture is not only changing the lives of thousands of farmers, it is helping to ensure farming is sustainable in the long term. With their livelihoods no longer completely controlled by the weather, farmers can work together to grow more, earn more and safeguard their communities’ futures – whatever the forecast.

SAFEGUARDING FUTURES, WHATEVER THE WEATHER

T: 020 7430 0440E: info@farmafrica.orgW: www.farmafrica.org Registered charity no. 326901

As the new Chief Executive of Farm Africa, I feel privileged to lead such an inspiring and committed organisation. I look forward to seeing our programmes grow, and to working with you, our supporters, to help make this happen.

It is true that times are challenging and uncertain. But I have seen the impact of our work first-hand, and I know what Farm Africa means to the people we are helping. It is for each and every one of them that I am determined to keep up the momentum and to build on our success. I know that together we can extend our reach even further.

There is a huge amount of potential in the farmland of Africa that is just waiting to be unlocked. That’s why, at Farm Africa, we give people the tools and expertise they need to work their own way out of poverty. Together we can pioneer techniques that boost harvests, build incomes and transform lives.

In this edition of From the Field we will introduce you to some of these people. There’s Ann, a retired school teacher turned fish farmer and entrepreneur. There are farmers like Martin, whose creativity and innovation is changing the face of sesame farming in Tanzania.

And then there is Rose, who at 80 years old, should be an inspiration to us all.

As we launch our new organisational strategy, I will do my utmost to ensure that our work is as effective and far-reaching as possible.

With the right support we can give more people like Ann, Martin and Rose the keys to transform not only their own lives, but also those of future generations. Together we are creating real change for Africa’s farmers.

Theirs is a story that is only just beginning.

Nicolas MounardChief Executive

YOUR AUTUMN NEWS FROM FARM AFRICA

IN THIS ISSUE:

FROM THE FIELDAutumn 2016

'Coffee is Life’ – an update

Groundbreaking inventions in Tanzania

Fishing for success in Kenya

9th FloorBastion House140 London WallLondon EC2Y 5DN

020 7430 0440info@farmafrica.orgwww.farmafrica.orgRegistered charity no. 326901

OYSTER MUSHROOMS: A TANZANIAN PEARL

It might not be pretty, but in Tanzania’s Nou Forest the oyster mushroom sure is turning heads. Who would have known that these small white clusters could transform the lives of women across the community?

Just £12 could help more farmers find ways to earn a reliable, year-round income without damaging the forest in which they live.

Magdalena is one of them. Sixty years old, she has lived in the Nou Forest since she was born. She and her family used to live off the income made through traditional crop farming and livestock. But as the forest was cut back to make way for new grazing land, Magdalena’s homeland was slowly being destroyed.

To help stop the deforestation, Magdalena became one of 700 farmers trained by Farm Africa. The crop of choice? Oyster mushrooms.

Something of a hidden pearl, oyster mushrooms only need a small amount of space to grow. This means that they can be farmed at home and are the perfect crop for women with families. They also have a short life cycle and grow in all seasons - making mushroom farming an income to be relied on all year round.

For Magdalena, oyster mushrooms offer a solution that is not only conserving the forest, but that also gives her the chance to invest in her family’s future.

“As a woman, mushroom farming has been important to me, because today I am able to contribute to the household income, whereas previously this was my husband’s responsibility.”

Oyster mushrooms earn Magdalena’s family an extra 480,000 Tanzanian Shillings (around £167) every year. Their single biggest source of income, the money is being put to good use.

“With the extra money we have been able to send all our children to school, improve our diets and afford medical costs. We have also been able to improve our home and invest in our business.”

Mushrooms are now Magdalena’s biggest source of income.

REACHING MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER

88p

12p

£1 Charitable activitiesGenerating funds

YEAR: 20152014201320122011

700,000

900,000

1.5 m

1.4 m

1.8

m

Number of people reached per year:

In 2015, Farm Africa reached more people than ever before - a huge 1.8 million! We also delivered better value for money, with 88p in every £1 being spent on charitable activities.

We are proud to be making real changes to the lives of so many farming families across eastern Africa – from fish farmers in Kenya to coffee growers in the mountains of Ethiopia.

We simply couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our supporters.

Across Africa, 874 million hectares of land are considered suitable for farming. However, a huge number of farmers often struggle to earn enough to make ends meet.

In many regions of Ethiopia, particularly in and around Lake Hawassa, soil degradation and damage to natural resources caused by extreme weather and poor resource management means harvests are often small, or fail completely. Many farmers find earning a good living from their land almost impossible.

That’s why climate-smart agriculture is at the top of Farm Africa’s agenda.

With the right support, farmers can find ways to manage the risks caused by unpredictable weather, whilst making a positive contribution by using agricultural techniques that restore natural resources and reduce carbon emissions.

A gift of £360 could help more farmers learn about climate-smart agriculture, so their livelihoods – and futures – are no longer completely dictated by the weather.

Climate-smart agriculture gives farmers the best chance of a good harvest, despite unpredictable weather.

By working with farmers and theircommunities to make small changes to their traditional farming methods, for example by introducing seeds for planting drought-tolerant crops, or intercropping (growing different crops close together), we are increasing their chances of a successful harvest, whatever the weather.

We are also providing training where farmers can learn how to diversify their incomes by growing new cash crops such as sesame – and we link them with buyers so they can sell their harvests for the best possible price.

Climate-smart agriculture is not only changing the lives of thousands of farmers, it is helping to ensure farming is sustainable in the long term. With their livelihoods no longer completely controlled by the weather, farmers can work together to grow more, earn more and safeguard their communities’ futures – whatever the forecast.

SAFEGUARDING FUTURES, WHATEVER THE WEATHER

T: 020 7430 0440E: info@farmafrica.orgW: www.farmafrica.org Registered charity no. 326901