Droughts and floods are increasing in the nine countries we work in across Africa, meaning that families simply cannot grow enough food to feed themselves. This increases poverty, causes malnutrition and creates dependence on hand outs and food aid. Farmers typically depend on one food crop (maize) and chemical fertilizers. These deplete the soil and leave farmers vulnerable to the loss of an entire crop to pests or drought. Deforestation is a major problem as is the lack of water available.

Self Help Africa provides these families with the coping strategies needed when facing unpredicatable weather. Their soils will be more fertile, giving their families more food; they will be able to sell any surplus, giving them much needed cash to pay for clothes, school fees and medicines and they have the skills to continue to thrive. As all inputs (seeds, livestock, credit) are provided on a pass on basis, more people are able to receive support as the project progresses at no extra cost.