Feed by Seed

Non-rotational cotton production is depleting much of the African continent’s soils exponentially faster than it can replenish itself... Farmers are worried about their family's futures with already visible, less productive soils, but with comparatively high income yield, cotton production is still enticing.

CEO just got back from the Global Action Platform Summit where he got to hear from Dr. (host of CNN's flagship foreign affairs show) give a speech about the state of the world and, afterwards, ask him his thoughts on using agricultural development and education for calming tensions in the Middle East. We confidently believe that

"I am hopeful for my future, but more importantly for my community's future. We all now know and agree that tomorrow will bring a brighter day than today, and the next day will be brighter than tomorrow..." -Michelo, 2010, a Zambian woman who has witnessed her community thrive as it has switched from poaching wildlife to agriculture for its primary economy

This girl waited in line for a hot meal provided by Feed by Seed for her entire community after a half day workshop on how to improve agriculture production and family nutrition... We're working towards a world of happier faces and fuller bellies.

"Today, 5.9 million children still die of preventable and treatable causes including diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition and 289,000 women still die each year of complications of pregnancy and childbirth... Further reducing mortality rates means reducing inequality, [and]... a lot of countries are striving to do just that by providing more comprehensive health care."

Statistical proof that capital investments in areas like health, agriculture and education DO make long-term, life-saving changes in the developing world.

http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/10/23/451113835/to-save-the-lives-of-babies-and-mothers-ask-for-advice-from-peru

To Save The Lives Of Babies And Mothers, Ask For Advice From Peru Each year, nearly 6 million children die of preventable and treatable conditions. Nearly 300,000 mothers die of complications from pregnancy and childbirth. Yet a new report offers reason for hope.

Simon gives a local farmer a bag of seeds to start growing as a new source of income after an educational workshop on family nutrition & farming in 2012... Simon was one of the main inspirations for the creation of Feed by Seed. After working with him for about a month, saw what he had been able to accomplish for his community in only a few short years, on a shoestring budget and became convinced that agriculural education and development can make significant, positive change in impoverished, rural communities.

Poultry accounts for nearly 30% of all animal protein produced globally and is one of the most important sources of protein for the world’s poorest people. It requires low initial capital investment, can grow and reproduce quickly, and doesn’t destroy farmers’ incomes or primary sources of protein if one of the birds gets sick or dies

Before and after of the new drip tape irrigated test plot that went up at the Feed by Seed farm in Nicaragua earlier this week! This is a vitally important feature for us to be able to expand our research on new crops and the agricultural techniques/methods that are most efficient in the region.

"Today is the International Day of Rural Women. Women make crucial contributions in agriculture and rural enterprises in all developing country regions, as farmers, workers and entrepreneurs. Their roles may vary across regions, but everywhere women face constraints that reduce their productivity and limit their contributions to agriculture production, economic growth and the well-being of their families, communities, and countries. Closing the gender gap in agriculture would generate significant gains for the agriculture sector and society"

Thinking of the amazing women we've met around the world in our journey with Feed by Seed so far and actively working to find ways to empower, educate, advocate, and improve their quality of life.

Meet Francis, the farm manager at the pediatric malnutrition clinic in Butiru, Uganda that Feed by Seed started partnering with almost one year ago today. He is working to teach mothers of malnourished babies how to grow diversified and nutritious food to fight sickness and alleviate poverty. We are so thankful for him.

Education for girls in developing countries is incredibly important. In Zambia, girls are receiving negotiation training in their school rooms from professionals at the Harvard Business School, the Zambian Ministry of Education, and the New Haven-based Innovations for Poverty Action research nonprofit to help them learn "the art of getting to 'yes'" and stay in school.

"Most Zambian families live below the poverty line. Most Zambian school kids, especially girls, never make it to 10th grade because their families can't afford it. One might see this as an unchangeable fact of poverty. But Kathleen McGinn, a professor of negotiation at Harvard Business School, sees it as a communication deficit. She says Zambian schoolgirls have to advocate for their interests in a way that American high-schoolers rarely need to."

http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/10/08/446237057/can-t-afford-school-girls-in-zambia-learn-to-negotiate-the-harvard-way-15girls

Can't Afford School? Girls Learn To Negotiate The Harvard Way: #15Girls Madalitso Mulando needed help. She didn't have the money to pay for her 10th-grade tuition. Then she learned the art of negotiation from the gurus at Harvard Business School.

2014. A farmer uses a w**d eater to cut hay in his field while a group of young boys (not pictured) come along behind him to hand bail it. Hard work, but it comes with a view that's pretty easy on the eyes!