Think of nine people that you know. If they represented the people on our planet, one of them would go to bed hungry every night. Now let’s look at that on a macro level: in total, that’s 805 million people. Woah.

It’s a common misconception that people are hungry because we lack enough food to feed everyone. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the case. Today, the world currently produces more than 1.5 times enough food to feed the entire planet. So what gives?

Currently, there are systems in place that make it difficult for people to feed themselves, so we must address these systems and look for sustainable alternatives. For a lasting impact, it’s not just about sending food to those in need. It’s about empowering people to grow food in their own communities, especially women and girls who make up the majority of the world’s small scale farmers.

In supporting farmers, we have an opportunity to end global hunger and make a dent on extreme poverty. That deserves celebration! So, with that in mind, let’s celebrate the farmers around the world who are helping to feed their communities.

1. Morogoro, Tanzania

Sharifa Idd Mumbi inspects the harvest in her maize field. | Flickr: Gates Foundation

2. Nepal

A woman harvests barley. | Flickr: ? Michael Morris / World Bank

3. Buga, Colombia

A Member of a passion fruit producers' alliance takes a break near Buga, Colombia. | Flickr: ? Charlotte Kesl / World Bank

4. Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Phillippines

A man scatters rice grains. | Flickr: Danilo Pinzon / World Bank

5. Kamuli, Uganda

Jane Sebbi, left, is a farmer with 12 acres of land. She grows corn, bananas, coffee, amarinth, potatoes, soybeans, common beans and sweet potatoes. She also takes care of pigs, goats and chickens. She appears in the photo with her sister-in-law. | Flickr: Bread for the World/ Laura Elizabeth Pohl

6. Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

A farmer and his wife. Agriculture is a key sector in Cambodia. | Flickr: Chhor Sokunthea / World Bank

7. India

A woman sifts grain. | Flickr: Ray Witlin / World Bank

8. Accra, Ghana

Women work on crops. | Flickr: Curt Carnemark / World Bank

9. Sejnane, Tunisia

A farmer near Sejnane, Tunisia. | Flickr: Arne Hoel / World Bank

10. Ukraine

A farmer takes a break from work. | Flickr: www.fotoARION.ch

11. Tubas, Palestine

Farmer Moafiq show his fields where he grows cabbage in Tubas. | Flickr: Arne Hoel / World Bank

12. La Eugenia, Calle de Cauca, Colombia

Adriana Banderas raises poultry. | Flickr:Charlotte Kesl / World Bank

13. China

A chestnut farm worker carries basket of harvest chestnuts on shoulders. | Flickr: Wu Zhiyi / World Bank

14. Argentina

Farm workers harvest strawberries. | Flickr: Nahuel Berger / World Bank

15. Sacramento, CA, USA

Farmers catch up at a farmers market in Sacramento, CA, USA. | Flickr: Robert Couse-Baker

This year, the Global Poverty Project will be campaigning for “Feed the Future”, an effort to improve the US’ approach to food security and hunger around the world. Feed the Future focuses on allowing farmers, particularly women and girls, to develop a local food industry that will help feed people for generations to come. Stay tuned on Global Citizen for opportunities to take action.

Editorial

Defeat Poverty

15 stunning photos celebrating farm workers around the world

By Christina Nuñez