Meaningful connectivity for all is critical to creating a world without hunger, yet 2.6 billion people—roughly one third of the world’s population—do not have access to the internet. 

To bridge this digital divide, we have developed partnerships with Microsoft Accessibility, Microsoft Airband Initiative, DAI Digital Frontiers and several Internet Service Providers to increase access for women, people with disabilities, indigenous people, and other historically marginalized groups. Our ISP partners provide the technical deployment expertise while we mobilize rural marginalized communities to understand what internet connection offers them so they can adopt and use it as a tool to improve their lives.

As of 2024, our programs have connected over 105,600 people to the Internet through 11 ICT centers in Ghana, Malawi and Mexico.  

Understanding the Gender Digital Divide 

As our world moves online, the digital divide continues to grow. It leaves part of the population without essential skills for daily, modern life. The lack of connectivity is happening because of many related challenges: the infrastructure needed to link rural communities, who often don’t even have reliable power; gender norms and discrimination; the marginalization of people with disabilities; skill disparities; and more. 

Digital access is a gender equality challenge—globally, women are 17% less likely than men to use smartphones and 16% less likely to access mobile internet. Around the world, the digital divide follows similar patterns: men have greater access to the Internet than women, men are more likely to have digital skills than women and use them in job settings, and men have greater digital literacy than women.

Indigenous communities also face significant access challenges. In Mexico, for example, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Yucatán have some of the lowest Internet use rates in the country at 21.6%, 29.3%, and 51%, respectively. Across Mexico, approximately 5,200 towns with large Indigenous populations are outside the coverage areas of the fixed and mobile broadband telecommunications networks, impacting access for 3 million people, the government estimates.

Increasing Digital Access

To increase meaningful connectivity we worked with our technical partners and communities in Ghana, Malawi and Mexico to set up local ICT centers and WiFi access points that would support women, people with disabilities, indigenous people, and other historically marginalized groups to get online. 

Local women stepped forward to work with us to identify the access challenges in their communities and then to design our interventions. These women were key change agents throughout the entire process, serving on the engineering teams, as micro-operators selling vouchers for Internet access, as trainers at computer hubs, and as managers of the ICT lab,  ensuring women, girls, and the most marginalized are able to access the lab. 

In the three countries, over 105,600 people now have connectivity through 11 ICT centers. Many of the centers are equipped with accessibility technology, including JAWS screen-reading software and orbit readers, and are outfitted with desks, ramps and other accessible furnishings that make the spaces welcoming and useable for people with physical disabilities.  

 In Ghana, nearly 4,200 women took advantage of THP’s digital curriculum and training, including accessing workshops for agriculture, business skills, income generating activities, and more. Over 3,400 people participated in our specific digital skills training that improves digital literacy and accessibility. 

In Malawi, when we started only 0.77% of women in the area reported using the internet. At the end of the program, in 2023, 47% had used it within the last 3 months. Smartphone ownership increased by 153% and cellphone usage doubled for both men and women. 

In Mexico, 19,200 people now have access to digital resources through the ICT centers. The screen readers are incredibly popular here, particularly among women. They are supporting women with low vision and people with low literacy levels access the internet to improve their businesses and livelihoods.

Mobilizing community volunteers to help their neighbors who have been marginalized, particularly people with disabilities, understand that they can access the internet—that we can leverage technology and creativity so that they can benefit from this resource—has been a key to our success.  In Malawi, trained volunteers visited 117 villages to raise awareness of accessible programs and tools available at ICT centers. Similarly, in Ghana, volunteers visited women’s groups in remote settings, to show them how the internet could help them reach their goals. These visits allowed people to experience connectivity firsthand, generated demand and encouraged community members to get more engaged with the ICT centers. 

Embracing the Power of Connectivity

In each of the communities where we have supported connectivity, women and men are embracing the opportunity to learn, to build their businesses and achieve their vision for the future. This resource is supporting new pathways for development and supporting the next generation of leaders to unlock their full potential. 

Photos: Ghana 2023, Johannes Odé for Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive; Ghana 2022, Storybox Media for Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive

In 2024, Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive brought on an external firm to measure our impact across in the areas that matter most to us: eliminating hunger, reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and mobilizing community agency.

60 Decibels, a recognized leader in social impact assessment, collected data from over 2,000 community members across 12 countries to offer powerful insights into the impact of our programs and testimonials from our partners about the way engaging with Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive has transformed their lives. 

Key Findings and Highlights

Eliminating Hunger

Our programs are transforming food systems so that everyone has access to locally-sourced, nutritious food that supports their health, well-being and growth. To do this, we work with trained community leaders to showcase sustainable farming practices, educate families on the importance of maternal and early childhood nutrition, develop community food processing businesses, and more. 

In the survey, 92% of respondents reported that their access to healthy meals has increased since working with us and 85% of people surveyed report a decrease in their stress about nutrition. 

Promoting Gender Equality

Empowered women are key to creating a world without hunger. When women are able to access resources and support, we see them shift community priorities toward issues of sanitation, nutrition, health and education. That’s why we focus on shifting mindsets about women’s roles in society and create spaces where women can grow their leadership. 

After engaging with Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive, four out of five community members—women and men—now participate in more equitable household decision-making.  

It is important to note, the survey showed that gender disparities persist, particularly in areas of financial well-being and community engagement, with men reporting higher levels of progress. We will continue to promote gender equality in the communities where we work through gender-focused initiatives that create equitable opportunities for women. 

Reducing Poverty

Hunger and poverty are intertwined challenges. Our programs support people to build a foundation for their economic empowerment. We facilitate community-led literacy and numeracy courses, trainings for entrepreneurs, introduce Village Savings and Loans Associations and community-based income-generating activities where needed, and support better agricultural practices so farmers can earn more from their crop. 

85% of respondents reported an increase in their ability to cover expenses after engaging with Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive. When asked for the most significant changes around financial well being, partners noted improved financial stability, increased income diversification and business growth.

Mobilizing Community Agency

The core of all our programs is community mobilization. Our strategies seek to build people’s capacities, leadership and confidence. We train women and men, equipping them with the skills, methods and knowledge needed to take self-reliant actions to improve their lives and conditions in their communities.

This emphasis has led to a notable 42% increase in community involvement, with many local leaders taking on key roles in health and sanitation, community mobilization and capacity building. Over one-third of respondents attributed this change to increased confidence and leadership skills, demonstrating the transformative power of our training programs. 

Additionally, 97% of the surveyed partners reported that their engagement with local government and community service providers has increased since engaging with Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive. 

Driving Change with Data-Informed Strategies

We are dedicated to an innovation-driven, data-informed approach to community-led development. 

From the data collected in this survey, 60 Decibels created reports with country-specific data and insights. Our program staff around the world will be engaging in  cross-learning and sensemaking discussions to further refine our programs and maximize our impact. 

Create a World Without Hunger

We are motivated that our community partners noted significant improvements in important areas of our work together.

96% of the people surveyed reported an increased quality of life after engaging with Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive. 

Together, we are transforming the systems of inequity that allow hunger to persist. Women and men feel empowered. Young people are imagining their bright future—often for the first time in their lives. The communities we work with feel ready to take on the challenges of our time. 

Hear More From Our Partners

Photos in order of appearance: India 2021; Burkina Faso 2023; India 2021; Ghana 2023 taken by Johannes Odé; Mexico 2023

 A new book honors the legacy of Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Country Director of Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive-Bangladesh

 We are proud to announce the publication Today I Saw a Revolution: From Grassroots to Global Change, a powerful new book by Cathy Burke, former CEO of Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive-Australia, that highlights the life and work of Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Country Director of Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive-Bangladesh. 

Today I Saw a Revolution captures Badiul’s incredible personal journey from living in poverty to becoming a prominent advocate for democracy and civic engagement. Over the course of his career, Badiul has helped mobilize millions of people to end hunger in Bangladesh. In this biography, we have the opportunity to learn more about the origins of Badiul’s innovative ideas and commitment to justice and empowerment. 

“In Badiul Majumdar’s story, we find the courage and vision needed to inspire meaningful change and lead with purpose… His journey is a powerful example of how one individual’s dedication can light a spark that ignites change on a much larger scale,” said Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Chief Advisor of the interim Government of Bangladesh.

Badiul’s work with Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive-Bangladesh has fostered a powerful grassroots movement across the nation, advancing civic awareness, youth leadership and women empowerment. Under his guidance, THP-Bangladesh has become the largest volunteer-driven organization in the country. The trainings, education and guidance shared during our programs has been critical to paving the way for a more democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.

“Badiul Majumdar helped pave the way for Bangladesh’s recent ‘Monsoon Revolution.’ He is a brilliant man, and widely loved by Bangladeshis for speaking truth to power,” remarks Dr. Kamal Hossain, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh in a testimonial for the book. 

Beyond his work in Bangladesh, for Badiul’s 31 years on staff he has been a key global leader at Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive. He is one of the lead creators for our signature Vision, Commitment and Action Workshops, which were piloted in Bangladesh and are now at the core of our strategy throughout Africa, Latin America and South Asia.

We are grateful to Cathy Burke for capturing Badiul’s incredible story and have been excited to share it with our community. On October 19, we hosted the global book launch in New York City, featuring Badiul and Cathy in conversation with John Coonrod, former Executive Vice President and  long-time champion of Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive. In the conversation, Badiul shared key lessons he’s learned from his journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. “If we try and it fails, try again. If it fails, try again and again until it works!” he said, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to transformative change. 

Badiul at the 2023 Fall Event © Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive 

We call for all Member Parties to take urgent, collective action to support the world’s food producers as they mitigate against climate change during this year’s United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties, taking place November 11 – 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Small-scale food producers in Africa and South Asia produce the majority of the food for household consumption in their regions, playing a critical role in global food security. Climate change and the droughts, floods and other extreme weather that follow in its wake hits such small-scale food producers hardest. They are particularly vulnerable and less resilient to such shocks due to poverty, lack of resources and systems of inequity that perpetuate this reality.

Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), world leaders have set a commitment to create a world without hunger, and to achieve this vision, it is crucial that the Member Parties at COP29 come to an agreement that accelerates the financing and systems transformation needed to support a sustainable, healthy environment and mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly for small-scale food producers, many of whom are women.

Systems Transformation 

Our global food systems account for about one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. There is growing global recognition that we need to transform these systems to lessen their impact on the environment, while still producing enough nutritious food to feed the world. We believe that this transformation must happen at every level  in the system—from the small-scale food producer to the regional farmer co-ops to the multinational food conglomerates. Identifying food system solutions, innovations and technologies that allow for this transformation and then implementing enabling policies and financing schemes to bring them to small-scale farmers and producers is of the utmost importance. 

Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and climate adaptation and resilience in its work, and to mitigating and minimizing the environmental impact of our programs and operations. In our programs, we adopt environmentally sound and context-appropriate solutions such as  crop diversification, landscape restoration, improved water and livestock management, climate modeling to inform planting and harvesting, and elevating  local, traditional and Indigenous knowledge and practices.

In Africa, Hunger Project-trained leaders create community demonstration farms and centers of excellence to  provide proof of model, promote adoption and facilitate knowledge sharing. Villagers  learn composting, regenerative agriculture, intercropping and other methods, like drip irrigation, to improve crop yields, restore soil fertility and make the best use of scarce resources. We also launched farmer field schools to train the next generation of farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices while innovating as entrepreneurs, and demand access to agricultural extension services from their government. Through this work, in Uganda, for example, we’ve seen an increase in dietary diversity combined with increased biodiversity and increased yields and income – a win-win combination that protects our environment, feeds families, all while fostering resilience to future shocks.

Fostering Resilient Communities 

The impacts of climate change are most acutely felt by vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and underserved areas. These communities face increasing threats from extreme weather events and shifting agricultural patterns and the COP negotiations should have these communities at the forefront of the conversation. 

While we must identify technical solutions that support the resilience of infrastructure and livelihoods, we at Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive believe that fostering resilience within each individual community will be critical to creating a world without hunger, especially in the face of climate change. Our work focuses on promoting strong systems and capacity so communities grow more resilient in order to withstand and manage crises, such as food insecurity due to droughts or flooding.

Our signature workshop, the Vision, Commitment and Action workshop, fosters this individual and collective spirit of resilience. In several communities that have been hit with extreme weather, community partners have attributed their ability and desire to rebuild to this training. Such trainings underpin collective efforts like community seedbanks, community resource management committees and train-the-trainer approaches that focus on including marginalized groups like women and youth.

Scaling this type of workshop and collective action is a necessary complement to any technical solutions and innovations. 

As world leaders gather to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time, we call for a focus on the world’s food producers and a deep commitment to collaboration so we can, together, forge a path towards a sustainable future with nutritious food available to all. 

Image (top to bottom): Burkina Faso, 2023; Malawi, 2022, Bangaldesh 2022 © Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive

Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive’s youth delegation to the World Food Forum focused on collaborating with other young leaders to create a world without hunger.

 In October, young and young-at-heart leaders, innovators and changemakers from around the world gathered at the World Food Forum (WFF), held at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome.  This annual gathering is an opportunity to elevate young voices to transform our global agrifood systems.

Our two youth delegates, Mirriam Zeka, Program Coordinator for the Youth Empowerment Project with THP-Malawi and Priyanka K. Naithani, Co-Chair of Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive’s Youth Council and Global Communications Senior Associate, traveled to Rome to represent Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive and share their insights, perspectives and experiences as part of our effort to elevate youth voices to create sustainable change.

Youth as Catalysts for Change

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General, made a call for youth to “speak up and be heard.” His emphasis on the critical role of young people in shaping the future of global agrifood systems aligns with what we see and encourage in communities around the world. Throughout our programs, we work with communities to create platforms for young voices to strengthen community-led efforts that address hunger, poverty and climate challenges. Read more about our youth empowerment work.

Innovating for a Better Tomorrow

Throughout the Forum young leaders pitched their ideas for achieving zero hunger, providing a glimpse into “what’s next” in the industry. Solutions included digitalization, mechanization, Artificial Intelligence and other innovative approaches to enhance food systems worldwide. 

One of the key themes throughout the conference was the elevation and appreciation of traditional knowledge—one of our key approaches. In the areas where we work, we often see local communities leveraging traditional knowledge to strengthen their agrifood systems. For example, in Mexico, Indigenous communities address food insecurity and malnutrition through holistic and adaptive approaches that elevate and celebrate Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.

“Innovation isn’t just about new technology—it’s about amplifying the voices and wisdom of those often overlooked. When we blend the ingenuity of youth with the deep-rooted knowledge of local communities, we unlock solutions that can truly transform the future of food systems and ensure that resilience is built from the ground up.” – Priyanka K. Naithani, Co-Chair of Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive’s Youth Council and Senior Associate, Global Communications.

To see this emphasis on Indigenous knowledge and approaches at an institution like the Food and Agriculture Organization is exciting. It shows that the global system is starting to look to local communities for solutions that work.

Investing in Youth-Led Solutions

 Photo: The delegation at the World Food Forum, October 2024

This year’s annual Fall Event, Together We Rise, was an extraordinary celebration of leadership and collective action. 

Held on October 19 and set against the backdrop of a year where nearly half the world’s population is going to the polls, this year’s theme highlighted the positive power of local political systems and active citizenship in the rural communities where we work worldwide. With nearly three hundred individuals from around the world in attendance, the event showcased the powerful impact we can achieve when we rise up as leaders and take action, together.

Dynamic speakers exemplified the spirit of our mission, sharing our impact around the world through stories of how people living in hunger and poverty are stepping forward as leaders to create change in their communities. 

Ruchi Yadav, Global Program Advisor, Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive-India, guided the audience’s journey throughout the evening, reminding us that tackling the root causes of hunger is never a straight line, especially given the many interconnected issues that exacerbate it. Her narrative shared about the powerful initiatives of the more than 197,000 women that we have trained in India to strengthen their leadership.

 Matimba Mooya, Nutrition Specialist, Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive-Zambia, captivated the crowd with her personal, transformative journey over the past 18 months since joining the organization. She shared that she has witnessed individuals reclaim their agency and recognize their potential for change after attending Hunger Project workshops.

Tim Prewitt, President and CEO, called attention to the transformative potential of local politics and the power of individuals stepping forward as leaders. Tim illustrated how community members move from “I can’t,” to “I can,” to “We can,” culminating in collective action that fosters sustainable change.

A poignant moment unfolded as the audience moved from darkness to light, lighting candles to symbolize the power of both their individual spark and their collective strength.

In her call to invest, Malin Flemström, Country Director for Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive-Sweden, highlighted that every act of leadership begins with a single spark. She shared inspiring examples of communities actively working to end hunger as she invited guests to join us in creating a world without hunger.

The evening closed with a surprise flash mob by Big Hit Entertainment, energizing the crowd and adding a joyful, unexpected twist to the event. This vibrant performance brought attendees to their feet, celebrating the spirit of collective action that defined the weekend.

In addition to the main event, two side events enriched the weekend. On Saturday afternoon, more than one hundred people gathered for the launch of Today I Saw A Revolution, the inspiring biography of Badiul Majumdar, Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive’s Global Vice President and Country Director in Bangladesh, authored by former staff leader Cathy Burke.

On Sunday morning, during Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive: A Closer Look, participants glimpsed the strategic plan in action – hearing about the latest initiatives by Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive in the areas of advocacy, youth and private sector engagement, while also exchanging ideas on ways to elevate their own participation in such efforts to create a world without hunger. 

As we reflect on the weekend, we are reminded of the undeniable strength we possess when we rise together. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for taking action for a brighter future!

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!

Hear from Hunger Project President and CEO Tim Prewitt on the occasion of the UN General Assembly and Summit of the Future, where world leaders gathered. The Pact for the Future was launched to ensure climate action, digital governance and equitable access to resources.

We simply cannot continue to consume, produce and transport food the way we do now. From the rapid degradation of our soils and forests, to the undermining of global public health, our expanding global population will not be sustained with our planetary resources. As problems compound, they pose significant challenges, threatening the stability of ecosystems and communities worldwide.

The Sustainable Development Goals, many of which are directly tied to food systems, are currently out of reach. Only by transforming our food systems will we meet the Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well Being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action and more.  

We need to place young people, especially from rural communities, at the center of this transformation. To ensure a sustainable future, we must support youth-led innovation in urgently reforming our food systems by reducing waste, promoting sustainable farming, and shifting toward more plant-based diets.

As we stand today, nearly half the world’s population—those under 30 years old—have the power to transform our global food systems to better serve our people and planet. In sub-Saharan Africa, where over 60% of the population is under 25 and youth make up a vital portion of the agricultural workforce, their active involvement is essential for driving systemic change.

At Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive, we see young people taking action to transform our food systems. Women in Oaxaca, Mexico, are reimagining food and nutrition guidelines to align with their traditional diets. Young entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, Malawi and Senegal are producing healthy indigenous grains such as teff and fonio, grown in harmony with the earth, close to their communities. Young mothers in Bangladesh exchange farming practices to grow leafy greens and ensure their children are well nourished.

Our planet and people cannot continue with current practices in food and farming. It’s time to elevate the young innovators and entrepreneurs—especially those living in poverty—to create a world without hunger. Take action now to protect vital ecosystems, conserve resources and ensure food security for future generations.

Join us in supporting young leaders! 

 Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a world where hunger is a thing of the past. Invest in the next generation and learn how you can take part in creating lasting change. 

 Photo: Bangladesh, 2022, Photo for Наnsjörg Сhаritу Initiаtive.

By Andrea Arkow, Senior Officer, Investor Programs

For more than 40 years, our monthly investors have been the steady heartbeat that sustains our global initiatives in partnership with communities worldwide. Now, we’re thrilled to introduce a new chapter in this journey by re-envisioning our monthly giving program. 

After a year-long process in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, we are excited to unveil The Core, our newly reimagined monthly giving program, and invite you to step into the heart of this transformative movement.

Every powerful movement has a heartbeat — a rhythm that drives it forward. Our community of monthly supporters, The Core, believe in the possibility of a world without hunger and act on that belief every single month.

Members of The Core are at the heart of change. This new name is a reflection of our commitment to clearly communicate the profound impact of your support and mobilize others to join us. The Core conveys a sense of belonging and purpose, inviting you to see yourself as an integral part of a global movement that transcends financial contributions. It’s about the collective power of our shared commitment—a power that can change the world. 

Looking ahead, we see an opportunity to expand our monthly giving community. The renaming of this program is not just a refresh; it’s a renewed invitation to build an even stronger sense of belonging for our dedicated supporters while welcoming new members. Our goal is to amplify our collective impact and ensure our mission continues to thrive.

Become Part of The Core

The average monthly gift for changemakers like you is $50, but any amount can make a huge impact. Join The Core today, and together, we can create a future where hunger is a thing of the past. 

Already a monthly investor? Thank you for being a vital part of The Core! To review your current plan or consider an upgrade in celebration of the next era of this program, please log in to your portal here.