Food Security

Food Security is one of The Salvation Army International Development UK's five areas of work.

We are working alongside communities to overcome food insecurity and malnutrition.

The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland territory currently supports Food Security projects in Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Mali and Zimbabwe. 

Strength in Community, Rwanda

In the Rwanda and Burundi Territory, The Salvation Army is working with the communities of Kamonyi and Musanze to address high levels of deep poverty and undernourishment. 

'I have been trained on how to be a good leader. I can now confidently lead others and support them along the journey to better their lives. '

Nyirahabineza Epiphanie is chairperson of the Abadahigwa Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) group which meets weekly at the Rubuye Corps in Kabasegera, a southern province of Rwanda. As a group member, Nyirahabineza took a loan of 10,000 Rwandan francs (approximately £7) and invested in her grocery business. After repaying the loan and small interest charged, she took a second loan and bought rabbits for rearing. She intends to sell the rabbit kittens for profit.

The benefits of joining the VSLA, however, have extended beyond the financial. Reflecting on what led her to join the group, Nyirahabineza said, ‘I joined to unite with others who wanted to progress their lives by putting our small savings together.’ She went on to share the impact that the group has had: ‘I have learnt so much, including how to grow vegetables. My children can now have a balanced diet and I am more hopeful for the future.’ 

The VSLA groups are self-managed and independent and therefore reliant on their members’ willingness to save money together. The role of The Salvation Army is to assist with group formation and to provide financial literacy, business mentorship, and training on entrepreneurship and enterprise management. With this access to financial services, the participants will be able to develop sustainable livelihoods and participate in developing their communities by investing in different sectors which are essential for general economic growth and sustainable development.

This project is multifaceted, and its impact goes beyond that which is listed in the aims and objectives. It is bringing people together, strengthening community bonds, reducing vulnerability to malnutrition and human trafficking, and giving people access to the tools and resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Ultimately, these add up to hope: hope for a better life. As Nyirahabineza summarises, ‘I can now dream of a better life for myself and my children.’ 

By Francois Nsengimana

Areas of Work

We work alongside communities in the areas of Anti-Trafficking, Clean Water, Emergency Response, Food Security, and Women and Girls to support them to overcome poverty and injustice. We are also responsible for overseeing the transfer of funds for the UK’s Mission Support Allocation (money donated through the annual Self-Denial Appeal).