From sustainable agriculture and water access to climate adaptation and ecosystem regeneration, we back practical solutions that help communities withstand climate shocks, safeguard natural resources and secure the essentials they need to thrive.

Ethiopia

Enhancing food, nutrition and income security for smallholder farmers* 

Our long-running partnership with Vita supported smallholder farmers in the Ethiopian highlands to adopt climate-smart potato production. Through improved seed varieties, farmer cooperatives and diffused-light storage, the project increased yields, reduced spoilage, extended the selling season, and helped reduce the annual hunger season for participating families.

In partnership with Vita Impact. Supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)

Indonesia

Strengthening local communities in forest management

This initiative strengthened community-led forest management and biodiversity conservation, including protection of the endangered Javan Hawk Eagle. Communities established local forest management institutions, improved fire prevention practices, and developed sustainable livelihoods through eco-enterprises such as organic red ginger production, creating new income opportunities alongside forest conservation.

In partnership with Puter Indonesia Foundation and U.S. Forest Service

Solar power for farmers

This renewable-energy initiative supports local processing of forest and farm products through a solar-powered production house and education centre. 

In partnership with SMEC Foundation

Kiribati

Women-led solar solutions

This life-changing initiative brings off-grid solar power, clean water and renewable energy to schools and community halls on Aranuka island in Kiribati. Managed by women-led committees and funded through a community levy model, it combines essential infrastructure with a locally owned approach to long-term operation and maintenance.

In partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Business Partnerships Platform (BPP)

Malawi

Victory Gardens and Victory Fields*

Victory Gardens help food-insecure households in Malawi establish high-yielding organic home gardens, improving access to nutritious food while strengthening household resilience.

Victory Fields supports re-establishment of sustainable cropping and farming practices. The initiatives have enabled families and their communities to grow their own food, improve nutrition, and rebuild food and income security following the impacts of recent climate shocks.

In partnership with the Face-to-Face Project and The Charitable Foundation. Supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)

Matandani community irrigation

This initiative improves food and income security through solar-powered irrigation, land preparation and training in organic fertiliser production, helping farming communities increase crop production and make productive use of available land.

In partnership with the Institute of Sustainable Development Malawi and The Charitable Foundation

Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia

Strengthening Irish potato and sweet potato value chains*

Since 2002 Action on Poverty has partnered with United Purpose Malawi and, more recently, Self Help Africa to strengthen nutrition-dense Irish potato and orange-fleshed sweet potato value chains across Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. Through climate-smart production techniques, improved storage, loans and savings groups, cooperative development and stronger market linkages, the multifaceted initiative enables smallholder farmers to increase potato production, improve nutrition, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen access to finance and markets.

In partnership with Self Help Africa and United Purpose. Supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)

Micronesia

Small-scale family-based aquaculture ventures*

The small-scale family-based aquaculture ventures solution is designed to help families in Pohnpei farm giant clams, sponges and corals for food security and income diversification. By involving entire family units and adapting farm design, the project increased women’s participation in a traditionally male-dominated sector, while supporting local processing, market access and sustainable fisheries management.

In partnership with MERIP Micronesia. Supported by Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) and the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)

Tanzania

Maasai food relief and farmer managed natural regeneration

Relief for drought-affected Maasai communities was expanded into a farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) initiative, training remote pastoralist communities in regenerative land management to restore soil, pasture and water sources. The improvement in the health and productivity of grazing lands strengthened biodiversity, livestock health and household incomes across Maasai communities.

In partnership with CORDS and The Charitable Foundation

Vietnam

AVALVE

AVALVE is developing AI-powered climate-smart agriculture in Vietnam, helping farmers grow higher-value crops through data-driven farming methods. This initiative combines smart farm technology and farmer training to improve productivity while reducing water and fertiliser use.

In partnership with P4G

Forte Biotech

The initiative scales affordable rapid diagnostic technology that helps shrimp farmers detect disease early and improve farm management. Smallholder farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta gain access to practical tools, training and digital support that reduce disease losses, strengthen productivity and reduce reliance on antibiotics, contributing to more sustainable aquaculture practices.

In partnership with P4G

Nourishing Hub

The VietHarvest Nourishing Hub initiative rescues surplus food from Vietnam’s hospitality industry and redirects it to vulnerable families in Hanoi. By turning edible food waste into nutritious meals, the initiative improves food security, reduces household financial pressures, and demonstrates a practical circular economy approach to addressing food waste and poverty.

In partnership with VietHarvest. Supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)

Zimbabwe

Community livelihoods improvement project*

For almost three decades Action on Poverty and partner CTDO have worked together to address food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The Climate and Livelihoods Improvement Project supports farmer adoption of drought-tolerant crops and improves livestock management. Solar-powered boreholes, weir dams and nutrition gardens expand access to water for households and agriculture. And internal savings and lending groups are helping farmers turn small savings into income-generating enterprises and more resilient livelihoods.

In partnership with CTDO. Supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)

Water infrastructure

This dedicated water infrastructure initiative improves water access for households, livestock and a local primary school through community water infrastructure and environmental protection works. The project also supports local livelihoods through a cash-for-work model, while reducing land degradation and strengthening the sustainable management of land and water resources.

In partnership with CTDO and The Charitable Foundation

Humanitarian El-Niño response

An emergency response project addressing the impact of El Niño-driven drought through school meals and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support in Rushinga District. 

In partnership with CTDO and The Charitable Foundation