The charity places a high priority on environmental sustainability and develops natural approaches that help farmers to improve their yields and incomes without degrading their natural resources.
The NFU has a long history with Farm Africa, including raising funds when officeholders ran the 2016 London Marathon in support of the charity.
Triple ‘C’ crisis
Vulnerable farming communities in eastern Africa are facing what has been described as a triple ‘C’ crisis of conflict, covid-shocks, and the climate crisis – all of which is causing widespread risk to live with Ethiopia and Kenya both facing acute food insecurity.
NFU President Minette Batters expressed her pride about being made an ambassador for the charity: “As a farmer myself I am all too aware of the challenges farmers are facing across the world: an increasingly unpredictable climate, rapidly rising inflation and the degradation of natural resources.
“While all farmers are familiar with these challenges, they are reaching crisis point in eastern Africa where farmers are experiencing the worst drought in 40 years, coupled with huge rises in production costs as fertiliser prices spiral due to the conflict in Ukraine.”
“I am proud to become an ambassador for Farm Africa, a charity close to my heart. As a farmer myself I am all too aware of the challenges farmers are facing across the world: an increasingly unpredictable climate, rapidly rising inflation and the degradation of natural resources.”
NFU President Minette Batters
End Hunger Grow Farming
Farm Africa is currently raising funds through its End Hunger Grow Farming Appeal which introduces supporters to farmers in rural Kenya taking part in the charity’s Regenerative Agriculture Project.
The farmers learn about everything from water conservation and the benefits of inter-cropping, to finance and marketing.
Juliet Muthoni, a smallholder farmer from Embu, Kenya © Farm Africa/Brian Ongoro
Minette urged support for the appeal: "Farmers across eastern Africa urgently need support to develop the agricultural and business skills they need to adapt to regenerate their land and grow more food. With donations to the End Hunger Grow Farming appeal being matched, now is a fantastic time to support Farm Africa’s work and see the impact of your generosity doubled.”
Juliet Muthoni, a smallholder farmer from Embu, Kenya, is just one beneficiary of Farm Africa’s work.
“I have turned to regenerative agriculture, as taught to us by Farm Africa,” she explained. “This includes applying manure, which helps the plant become strong. Thanks to these techniques, last year we enjoyed higher yields.”
Donations to the appeal are being matched by Farm Africa supporters, meaning that donations received by the end of the year will be doubled, up to a total of £150,000.
You can find out more about the appeal and how to donate on Farm Africa's appeal page.
