"Revolutionary Rice" (02:49)

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The price of imported rice peaked and Brigitte Addison decided to grow a new variety of rice. Nerica is a crossbreed variety that is pest and drought resistant. Addison’s production increased and she purchased more farm land and invested in real estate.

"Chain of Solidarity" (03:24)

As Burundi recovers from war, people struggle to survive with limited resources. A program through the International Fund for Agricultural Development provides a family with a calf. The family then gives the cow’s offspring to the community, which decides on a new owner. This cycle produces resources, productivity, and wealth in the community.

"Dear Bats" (02:58)

In the dry belt of Ghana, a new market for shea butter has potential to enrich impoverished communities. Shea trees take 30 years to mature; fruit bats carry the seeds and plant the trees continuously. Despite protection for the species, people hunt fruit bats as a delicacy.

"A Matter of Ticks" (03:05)

East coast fever spreads via ticks, killing large proportions of cattle herds in East Africa. Esther Kanduma travels to the Kajiado district to examine cows and tick collect samples. BECA encourages African scientists and reduces Western dominance in the field.

"A Voracious Pest" (03:00)

Stem borer is destroying much of Japheth Moi Matia’s maize crop. Farmers currently must apply expensive pesticides twice per season, but scientists at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center are researching new resistant varieties. Some farmers are testing genetically modified corn.

"In a Nutshell" (03:26)

When coffee prices fell in the 1960s, Kenyan business leader Pius Ngugi encouraged farmers to grow macadamia nuts. With government support, he built a processing facility, and later added organic and other nuts. Ngugi argues that developed countries should open markets.

"Shantytown Garden" (03:20)

Su Kahumbu, a leader of the organic movement in Kenya, was approached by Youth Reform Group to create a farm near the Kibera slum. The team moved an immense amount of trash and used sunflowers to uptake metals from the soil. The farm providdes food and employment to Kibera residents.

"Fish for Life" (03:02)

In Malawi, the high population and small land area are ideal for fish ponds. Anderson Mazamba integrates ponds with rice fields so he can feed his family with better nutrition and earn income. Fish ponds provide water and fertilizer, and are a good source of protein for people suffering from HIV.

"Cereal Business" (03:01)

Market operations and price fluctuations are obstacles for cereal farmers in Fambougou, Mali. The Syngenta Foundation helped build a warehouse to store grain and supported the development of a farmer's association.

"The Best Catch" (02:58)

After civil war, famine, and floods, many people in Mozambique traveled to the coast. IFAD assisted in the development of a cooperative that could negotiate with the government to establish fishing zones for industrial and small scale fishing. Through this enterprise, people have opened hospitals, a school, and acquired motor boats for fishing.

"Tree-Mendous" (03:04)

Yacouba Sawadogo began farming during a drought, using a traditional method called Zai. Women in Niger also use the method, transforming 2,000 hectares.

"Cocoa Comes Back" (03:05)

Cocoa farmers on the island of São Tomé are part of a global market based on consumer interest in organic foods. After agriculture reforms impaired cocoa production, IFAD encouraged farmers to grow organic cocoa, and French company Kaoka supported the effort by buying the cocoa at a fair trade price.

"Faith, Work, and Fashion" (03:02)

As many people leave Senegal in search of work, villagers of Ndem embrace organic agriculture. The Ndem Village Association initiated a training course where many villagers learned vegetable growing methods using drip irrigation. Residents also work in textiles and sell products in a global market.