At the same time, farmers often work in dangerous conditions, lack proper training and produce low yields; all of which affect their livelihoods. This – along with globalisation, disease and pest outbreaks, and climate change – threatens the future of our farms, crops and commodities.
But we don’t see farmers as victims in need of aid. Rather, we see them as entrepreneurs who need support to bring their businesses, their farms, to life. We work with farmers to empower them and improve their resilience, strengthen their connections with clients and their position in the supply chain; all on their own terms.
Some studies suggest small-scale farmers provide up to 80% of the food supply in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Small-scale farmers produce around 40% of Indonesia’s palm oil.
Our work to increase resilience among farmers has been ongoing since 2011. Today we work with farmers in the Dominican Republic, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. Our field teams live and work among the farmers, build trust with them and understand the local context of their lives. This approach informs strategies to address farmers' practical needs and enhance their social and environmental management. Key to these strategies is strengthening farmers' links to other parts of the supply chain, thereby supporting both farmers and their products.
Facilitating resilient, thriving communities and ecosystems within biodiverse landscapes.
Rurality is working with Nestlé and other stakeholders to transform farmers' lives in Soubré.
Rurality is working alongside Reckitt Benckiser to support farmers in Peranap.
Engaging with farmers in Sabah to solve human-elephant conflict and increase farmers' productivity.