Cropped Out: stand with women smallholder farmers

The very women who feed the world are facing the highest risks of hunger, with the least support to survive a rapidly changing climate.

Across lower-income countries around the world, women smallholders* work tireless hours to grow food, sustain communities and keep global food supply chains moving. Yet, climate shocks like extreme heat, droughts or flooding are destroying their crops, while unjust systems ironically mean that the farmers trying to grow food face extreme risks of hunger themselves.

It’s vital that the voices of these women are heard and responded to at COP31, the UN’s annual Climate Summit held in November this year. Miatta Fahnbulleh MP (Secretary of State for Energy, Security and Net Zero) and the UK delegation must speak up for our global neighbours like Afroza, Beli and Zainab.

By standing together in prayer and action, we can make sure smallholder farmers aren’t being cropped out of the picture.

*Definitions vary globally, but in our experience, smallholder farmers in lower-income countries tend to be people who work on fewer than two hectares of land.

Why speak up for women smallholder farmers?

Discussions around climate change and broken food systems can feel distant, abstract, and overwhelming. But behind every seed and every harvest is a real farmer, tending her field and striving to build a flourishing future for her community.

Scripture reminds us: ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.’ (Psalm 24:1) Caring for God's creation and standing in solidarity with our global neighbours is central to our faith and our discipleship. When we pray, we hold onto hope – for ourselves, our neighbours and our world.

Will you refuse to let women smallholders stay cropped out? Together, we can put them back where they belong – at the heart of our prayers and our global food systems.

Meet the women putting food on the table and hope in the soil

Step onto the farm and walk alongside one of three inspiring women who Tearfund has supported as they grow hope in challenging soil:

Zainab, Iraq

Zainab struggled to keep her farm alive amid extreme heat and severe water scarcity. With new irrigation pipes and quality seeds, she saved water and brought her dry land back to life.

Afroza, Bangladesh

Facing poverty and struggling to afford her son's education, Afroza joined a local women’s group that gave her the startup support to cultivate sugarcane and raise chickens. Today, her farm is thriving and inspiring her whole village.

Beli, Nepal

A survivor of illegal trafficking, Beli built a new life through practical agricultural training, giving her the tools and confidence to earn a reliable, independent income.

How can you support women smallholder farmers?

Women smallholder farmers are at risk of being cropped out of the picture by climate shocks and unfair food systems. So, how can you stand alongside them?

• Pray for COP31 where leaders from around the world will gather to review progress on key climate issues and agree next steps for tackling global challenges.
• Send an e-card to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, to demand fairness and support for women smallholder farmers.
• Donate to the Harvest Appeal to help people like Afroza, Beli and Zainab lift themselves out of poverty.

We also encourage you to keep praying for smallholder farmers like Afroza, Beli and Zainab. You can do so using this prayer, written for Harvest 2026: