Agriculture is facing a number of challenges. Consideration for the environment, ever more mouths to feed and helping to reduce poverty in the world. It will be difficult, but it is possible. We know that investing in agriculture reduces poverty and hunger. However, we also know that agriculture throughout the world has a direct and indirect impact on practically all the major environmental problems, from loss of biological diversity to climate change. 

We are perhaps the first generation with the knowledge and resources to alter the trend. Nevertheless, we are not doing enough of what we know is needed. We Effect has compiled this report to provide a summary of the current knowledge at hand about sustainable, small-scale agriculture as a necessary and effective way to combat poverty and hunger. 

At the same time, it can contribute to reducing climate and environmental impact. In order to restructure agriculture to meet the challenges of the future, changes are required. Here in South Africa we can make a difference, through development cooperation and by pursuing a policy for more efficient and sustainable agriculture with a diversity of crops and production methods. 

This type of agriculture not only produces food but also gives the farmers so much more – cleaner water, natural fertilization of the soil, resistance to pests and a more balanced and varied diet. It creates work and gives families the means to provide for themselves. Some essential points for FTHSA development programs are: 

• To direct a greater proportion of development cooperation support towards agriculture. Today only a small percentage of South Africa support goes towards developing agriculture in poor countries. 
• Focusing on small-scale agriculture. There are several million small family farms in poor countries with just a few hectares each for growing crops and providing for themselves. Support for this type of agriculture reaches many of the world’s very poorest people. 
• Focusing on agriculture that is sustainable and builds strong communities. That means social and economic sustainability, but obviously consideration for the climate and environment is also required for social and economic improvements. 
• Focusing on women. They constitute more than half of the poorest population in rural areas, so at least half of agricultural development cooperation support should go to them. Obviously much more is needed; international agreements must be altered and poor countries themselves must also focus more on increased social, economic and ecological sustainability in their farming. 

However, the insight we want to communicate in our report is simple: Anyone who wants to fight for the poor people of the world must also fight for their agricultural livelihoods. 

Victory Godspower

CEO “FTHSA “