Problem

Tree crops can play a significant role in raising the incomes of small and marginalized farming families in many developing economies. Fruit tree cultivation is among the most profitable and practical uses of agricultural land, especially in highland areas. A recent study in Tanzania shows that a farmer can earn 14 times more by cultivating mangos than with maize. Strong environmental reasons, such as erosion prevention, also favor permanent crops over short cycle farming.

The Gift

Twenty fruit trees providing pears, apples, peaches and/or avocados would dramatically increase a local farming family’s income while also diversifying their diets adding much needed vitamins and minerals and improving a family’s health. The trees would help increase these farmers’ income by close to $2,000 over their productive life. By helping a family in a country like Tanzania raise their income, you help them send their daughters and sons to school, pay for much needed doctors visits and you help put an end to a family’s painful poverty.