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Cordaid sustainable livelihoods

Food systems

We support communities in regions most affected by food insecurity, climate change, conflict, and economic hardship.

Our Approach

By partnering with local communities, governments, businesses, and civil society, we strengthen agri-food systems and revitalise rural economies to ensure access to nutritious food, secure livelihoods, protect ecosystems, and build long-term resilience.

Aid workers in the Central African Republic.

Advancing Locally-Led Development and Shifting Power Dynamics

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Inclusive Economic Empowerment

Through our partnerships, we promote sustainable agricultural production, improve market linkages, and strengthen the business environment. In particular, we improve access to land, water, finance, inputs, training, information services and digital tools.

Building Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems

Our work supports communities, governments, and businesses in managing climate risks and restoring ecosystems through nature-based solutions, tackling water scarcity, and preserving biodiversity.

Inclusive Finance for Sustainable Growth

We strengthen financial ecosystems to enhance access to affordable, sustainable finance for agri-food actors. This includes partnering with microfinance institutions, cooperatives, and value chain actors to develop inclusive products like farmer loans, leasing, and crop insurance. We integrate digital financial tools and promote green financing where relevant.

System strengthening: the sustainable way forward

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Women-Led Economic Empowerment

By supporting women-led initiatives and collective action, we foster equal opportunities, secure incomes, and stronger representation in decision-making. Our work also addresses policy barriers and cultivates an enabling environment for women-led businesses.

Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship

We create opportunities for young people by connecting them to agri-food systems through skills training, entrepreneurship support, and employment pathways. This ensures youth engagement in building resilient, thriving food systems for the future.

With our work on this topic, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations:

MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO

Programs

OUR CROSS-CUTTING THEMES

Programs

  • Triple nexus

    We aim to link relief to rehabilitation, development and peace
  • Climate justice

    We actively pursue sustainability principles across all our activities
  • Gender equity

    We want equal rights for women, men, and non-binary people
  • Diversity and inclusion

    We need diversity to build peaceful, equitable and resilient societies