The agricultural programme targets low rainfall areas where there is an acute shortage of food. Unemployment in rural areas is in excess of 25% and half the population lives in poverty. Recurrent droughts in these areas, covering one third of the nation, have catastrophic effects and food relief has been required in four of the last ten years.
The Trust supports training, research and activities that help communities generate income. Drought and shortage of food are exacerbated by HIV/ AIDS in many households. The worst affected families are supported by innovative agricultural projects designed to increase income and food provision, for instance teaching ‘trench’ gardening.