It may be surprising to know, but in many rural regions of the Global South, women farmers are the backbone of local food systems.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women play a critical role in agricultural production, food security, and rural livelihoods around the world. They grow food for their families and communities, strengthen local economies, care for the land, and help communities become more resilient to natural disasters and climate change. That’s why equipping female growers is one of the most powerful solutions to the global hunger crisis.

In 2021, World Renew came alongside 98,560 women farmers, supporting them with the training, tools, and seeds they need to grow stronger, healthier crops. Elizabeth, a mother in rural Kenya, is one of these farmers. She works hard each day cultivating her land, caring for her animals, and selling produce at the local market, all so she can put food on her family’s table.

From Struggle to Opportunity

Life for Elizabeth and her family did not always look this way. For many years, Elizabeth and her husband, Peter, struggled to grow enough food for their three children on their small, depleted plot of land. They did not have enough income for basic necessities or to pay their children’s school fees because much of their money went toward purchasing food.

After Elizabeth joined World Renew training in climate-resilient farming techniques, she dedicated herself to learning everything she could about sustainable agriculture. She learned how to care for the soil, rotate crops, and use mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture.

To learn more about these approaches, explore our blog on sustainable agriculture and how farming practices can strengthen food systems for future generations.

Today, Elizabeth’s crops of maize, beans, and pigeon peas are thriving, and her family has even expanded their farm by purchasing additional land and a cow, something they never imagined would be possible.

Growing Food Security Through Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Elizabeth’s table went from nearly empty to a table of plenty.

With a surplus harvest, she can now sell extra produce at market, generating income to cover household expenses and support her children’s education. Just as importantly, she is able to share food with other families in need within her community.

Today, Elizabeth serves as a “champion farmer,” helping teach climate-adaptive farming techniques to other local farmers. Her story demonstrates how investing in women creates ripple effects that strengthen food security, livelihoods, and community resilience.

As UN Women notes, rural women are key contributors to agricultural production, food security, and rural development around the world, making investments in farmers like Elizabeth especially impactful for families and communities.

Climate change continues to affect agricultural communities around the world, making resilient farming practices increasingly important. Learn more about the connection between agriculture and a changing climate in our blog, How Climate Change Impacts Agriculture.

As Elizabeth reflects on the many gifts food security has brought to her family, her heart overflows with gratitude:

“By [God’s] grace today, he has helped my family improve, from poverty to a wealthy state…. My land was not producing enough for me and my family, but the Lord has given me good friends to walk with. Today I produce enough and have excess to sell and I am able to help others.”

Helping More Women Farmers Thrive

Stories like Elizabeth’s show how access to training, seeds, tools, and support can transform lives. When women farmers have the resources they need to succeed, families are better nourished, children are more likely to stay in school, and communities become more resilient in the face of challenges.

World Renew works alongside farming families around the world to strengthen food security through sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural practices. Learn more about our work and how communities are building a more secure future through our Food Security programs.

Together, we can help more women like Elizabeth move from uncertainty to abundance and ensure more families have enough nutritious food for today and the future.