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In periods of affluence, most
people get along fine – even when they are from different ethnic or religious
backgrounds, but when resources are scarce, former friends and neighbours often
turn into foes. We have seen this too many times throughout history. Across the world, food
insecurity fuels conflict and in turn, conflict fuels food insecurity, creating
a vicious circle. For example, when
in 1994, genocide engulfed Rwanda, this human catastrophe was fuelled by ethnic
hatred, but economic crisis, poverty and hunger also played their part.
This vicious circle is found
around the world and women can play a vital role in breaking it. One in seven
of the world's population is malnourished. The UN Food Agency estimates that by
giving equal rights to women farmers – meaning giving them the same access as men to
productive resources such as land and credit – 100 to 150 million people would
be lifted out of hunger.
The charity, Women for Women International, which aids women who have lived through wars around the world,
has launched an innovative programme, helping women to put food on the
table, earn an income and move from victim to productive member of
society. The Commercial Integrated Farming Initiative (CIFI) programme trains women in organic farming techniques
and food production in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South
Sudan and Afghanistan.
To find out more or sponsor a woman, click here and watch this video:
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