In the rugged countryside of Ecuador, Pedro Adrián Moreira Ochonillo has spent his life working the land, a way of life that carries both pride and uncertainty. Like many farmers in his community, his income depended entirely on whether the rain would fall and the soil would yield.
Some seasons brought enough to feed his family. Others brought drought, poor harvests and long nights wondering how to put food on the table. Without steady work or reliable crops, families like Adrián’s often faced hunger and illness. Temporary aid helped, but it couldn’t break the cycle of poverty.
This is the reality for millions of smallholder farmers worldwide whose livelihoods depend on the land but who lack the resources, seeds or livestock to make that land thrive.
The root of the problem
Food scarcity in farming communities is seldom the result of insufficient effort—it stems from lack of access to essential resources.
Families rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to changing weather patterns and depleted soil. Without proper irrigation, quality seeds or livestock, even the hardest-working farmers struggle to sustain a harvest.
When farmers can’t sustain a harvest, the consequences extend far beyond the field:
- Malnutrition grows as families eat fewer and less diverse foods.
- Children leave school to help their parents earn extra income.
- Health deteriorates as people consume fewer fresh and nutritious foods.
The result is a fragile cycle where farmers work tirelessly yet remain one failed crop away from crisis.
How World Vision helped break the cycle
When World Vision partnered with Adrián’s community, the goal wasn’t just to provide aid, it was to create lasting independence. Families received agriculture packs containing seeds, tools and training to build stronger, more resilient farms.
In addition, livestock such as goats, alpacas and chickens were introduced to diversify income and strengthen nutrition. A single goat could provide milk and fertilizer; a flock of hens meant eggs for meals and for sale.
Training sessions helped families understand soil care, crop rotation and sustainable farming techniques, giving them control over their land and their future. Like seed planted in fertile soil, every dollar invested in livestock and training grows twice in value in economic and health benefits—strengthening entire communities.
A community transformed
The results were visible within a single season. Gardens began to flourish. Families who once relied on buying food could now grow their own. Children were healthier, and the community had a renewed sense of pride and possibility.
Adrián’s family became one of many examples of how simple tools, seeds, animals and knowledge can transform a life. Where scarcity once dominated, now there is security. Where uncertainty once lingered, now there is hope.
Why sustainable farming matters
When farmers have the right tools, training and livestock, the impact goes far beyond one harvest:
- Families build resilience against droughts and market changes.
- Children eat better and attend school regularly.
- Communities share knowledge, growing stronger together.
This is why sustainable agriculture is at the heart of lasting change—because it replaces dependency with empowerment.
This giving season, help farmers grow their future
As Canadians look for meaningful ways to give, supporting farmers like Adrián offers a chance to plant real, lasting hope. A gift of agriculture packs, seeds or goats helps families grow their own food, earn a stable income and lift their communities out of poverty.
When you give through World Vision Canada, your support doesn’t end with one donation—it multiplies with every harvest.
Together, we can help families grow stronger roots for the future.
Donate today