Why support poor farmers?
Poor farmers represent around half the world’s 925 million malnourished people. Unheard Voices is about making sure that these farmers get the support they need.
Hunger is rising
In February 2011, food prices reached record levels. This will lead to further hunger and malnutrition for vulnerable people.
Lack of aid to agriculture
Currently, there is no UK government strategy in place to ensure that agricultural support reaches poor farmers in developing countries. The most recent figures available show that only four percent of UK aid money was spent supporting agriculture.
Supporting women
Women grow up to 80% of food in developing countries, but they are not often given agricultural support. Targeting support at poor women farmers could increase a country’s food production by as much as 4%.
Millennium development goals
The first millennium development goal is to halve the number of the world’s poor and hungry people by 2015. Support of agriculture is vital to ensure this goal is met. By achieving this goal, we will also enhance the progress of other millennium development goals such as the reduction of child mortality and the improvement of maternal health. Take a look at the millennium development goals.
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