Smallholder farmers are trained in climate-smart techniques that increase yields. Techniques include co-planting
of crops to reduce the risk of one crop failing. Planting trees in the field to strengthen
the soil and protect the crop from sun, landslides and flooding. And sustainable methods of fertilization and
management of new plant diseases and pests. Caritas establishing Farmer Field Schoolsa model developed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, where so-called model farmers receive training that even more farmers learn from.

Mobile weather forecasting services also ensure that farmers can produce food even if the seasons no longer
follow their usual pattern.

Small farmers and local communities are ensured access to good seed through seed banks set up by Caritas.
Farmers who do not have seed themselves can borrow seed from the seed bank to start production on condition that they
return seed to the bank after the season. This gives more and more people access to climate-adapted seed.

It also allows farmers to grow a wider range of crops than before, providing them with a more nutritious diet. Seed banks preserve important genetic material that might otherwise disappear, especially if an area is hit by dramatic events such as floods, droughts, hurricanes and wars.

Through the creation of savings and loan groups, women and men will be able to apply for funding to
invest in their own businesses, and repay the loans when the investments start to yield a return. This will give
more smallholders the opportunity to take out loans to develop their farming operations. This will create jobs, and
fewer people will go to bed hungry.

With this kind of help, many of the farmers will eventually also produce a profit. They will then be able to sell
what they do not eat themselves on the local market, thus creating an extra income. The organization of farmers,
construction of mills and other opportunities for processing products will help small farmers
to sell their goods more easily.

Poor families and refugees receive start-up packages for kitchen gardens for more and nutritious food. They receive
climate-adapted seeds that are better able to withstand drought, tools and training in effective cultivation methods, and access to sales markets. 70% of families' food needs are covered by the kitchen garden investment.

In areas where the security situation is still insecure, training will be provided in the cultivation of vegetable gardens near the houses. This is to ensure that families have a stable supply of food and that women do not have to take unwanted risks by going out into the fields.

A cow, a goat or a few chickens - it can determine whether a family survives or dies of hunger when crops
fail. The animals provide meat, milk and eggs, and they can be sold for income for necessary food or other equipment.
Caritas provides training in good animal husbandry so that the animals stay healthy. The activity is aimed particularly at women, providing them with an additional source of income.

Fish is an important source of protein and nutrients, but it is often in short supply for those who are starving.
Caritas empowers refugees and local communities to start fish farming. People receive the necessary equipment for
a fish pond or fish tank, and they receive training. Fish farming is efficient food production that uses little
land.