Globally, one in four people—over 2 billion individuals—experience moderate to severe food insecurity. The root causes are complex and interconnected, including conflict, climate change, and extreme poverty. Worldwide displacement has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 115 million people forced to flee their homes due to war and violence. Meanwhile, climate change is fueling erratic and extreme weather patterns, including historic droughts, flooding, and devastating storms that destroy crops and livelihoods. Compounding these challenges, over 719 million people live on less than $2.15 per day, enduring extreme poverty that severely limits their access to food, healthcare, education, and basic necessities.

Women are disproportionately affected by these issues, yet they also hold the key to meaningful change. According to the United Nations, if women had equal access to agricultural tools, seeds, and training as men, an estimated 150 million more people could achieve food security. Research shows that women reinvest up to 90% of their earnings into their families and communities, supporting health, education, and household stability, compared to 30–40% for men. By partnering with women’s groups, TEL International empowers women with the resources and training necessary to break the cycle of hunger and poverty while fostering sustainable development in their communities.

Seeds and knowledge share a unique quality: neither is a one-time resource. Both can be nurtured, multiplied, and passed on, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the individual. TEL International’s agricultural programs provide women with not only seeds and tools, but also training in sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and marketing. With these skills, women can start small-scale seed or produce businesses, sell food products at local markets, and generate income that supports their families. Empowered with knowledge and resources, women become catalysts for change, leading their communities in sustainable solutions that address hunger, improve livelihoods, and promote resilience in the face of conflict, climate change, and poverty. By investing in women, TEL International helps build a foundation for lasting food security, economic growth, and community transformation.

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