Working with people in groups, to make use of peer support, Send a Cow aid workers train in the use of their natural resources wisely to build thriving mixed crop-livestock farming systems. This includes training in natural – or organic – farming; and in livestock care. Where necessary, the charity provide good quality animals, seeds and tools to get families started.

As well as being cheap and effective, the farming methods promoted are kind to the environment. Families learn how to combat environmental challenges such as soil erosion and water shortages – often the result of climate change.

It’s an approach that is enabling whole communities in seven African countries to move towards self-sufficiency.

Lesotho struggles hugely from a lack of food sovereignty/sustainability. Send a cow community outreach workers work with poor families to teach them sustainable agricultural techniques. These skills have been specifically designed to accommodate the tough conditions of Lesotho – mountainous terrain, cold, harsh winters and water scarcity. One such technique is building a ‘keyhole garden’. Used by many across Africa, these space- and water-conserving gardens recycle as they grow, allowing a steady and varied supply of food throughout the year.

This model of support extends over seven countries across Africa where nearly 16,000 families have been helped. Also, every person that the Send a Cow aid workers have worked with will go on to help 10 others, meaning Send a Cow has improved many more lives.