One hectare against hunger: Misereor

In the Sahel, parched land can become fertile once more. Thanks to sustainable agriculture, reforestation, traditional knowledge and donations.

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The Sahel is particularly affected by climate change. The rainy seasons are becoming increasingly unpredictable, and crops are withering. Wind and water erosion are taking their toll on the soil, which is losing its fertility. Famine and poverty loom large. How can people be expected to live in dignity when they lack even the bare necessities?

Your donation can help to bring about lasting change in the lives of people in need. In the Sahel, for example, good tools, training in farming methods and suitable seeds help smallholder farming families to restore the fertility of their land and break free from the cycle of poverty and hardship.

Effective relief measures include the use of drought-tolerant seeds and the construction of rainwater catchment basins, which make it possible to irrigate fields even during periods of drought. This helps to avert famines and ensure a nutritious diet. A varied harvest comprising fruit, vegetables and cereals is particularly important for children, who often suffer from malnutrition. Amongst the various types of vegetables, beans are one of the most important sources of protein. Smallholder families can sell the surplus from their harvest at the market, thereby securing an additional income.

Even though the methods may seem simple, Salamata Ouedraogo and her community are constantly developing their farming practices.

The floor can now be used to its full potential.

And animal husbandry and breeding work better too.

Now the produce is enough to provide a healthy diet for the whole family.

After the rainfall of the last few days, the still soft soil is ploughed and prepared for sowing.

A tiny grain harbours great potential for agriculture

Mariam Sawadogo's three children do their homework in the courtyard in front of her house.

Salamata Ouedraogo is one of the smallholder farmers in the Sahel who have already made one hectare of barren land fertile. Today, she sells part of her harvest at the market. Her children are healthy and go to school. So far more than enough food is being grown here: hope is growing for a future free from hardship.

Nora Giesbrecht

Donor Communications

Telephone: +49 241 442595
E-mail: Nora.Giesbrecht@misereor.de

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Thanks to your support, families in the drought-stricken Sahel are able to cope with the following:

South of the Sahara, one in four people is undernourished. Access to water, seeds and better harvests helps families to secure their food supply in the long term.

Malnutrition weakens the body and makes people more susceptible to illness. Nutritious cereals and vitamin-rich vegetables contribute to a balanced diet and better living conditions.

Many people cannot afford basic foodstuffs. Better farming methods and higher yields make it possible to sell surplus produce and generate an income.

Poverty also robs people of educational opportunities and prospects for the future. Schooling and vocational training open up new possibilities – both for themselves and for the next generation.

50 €

75 €

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125 €

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For example, 50 euros is enough to restore one hectare of land to fertility.

The German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI) certifies that Misereor handles donations responsibly and efficiently.

If you donate €24 or more, you will receive a statement listing all your donations to Misereor at the beginning of the following year. This statement can be submitted to the German tax office as proof of your contributions.

If you would like a receipt for an individual donation, please email us at Spendenbuchhaltung@misereor.de.