Local Leadership and Innovation Power Agricultural Change
CARE Pakistan’s Commitment to Social Impact Culminates in ‘She Nourishes Change’ National Event
CARE Pakistan concluded its landmark She Feeds the World (SFtW) programme with a national event titled She Nourishes Change, underscoring the organization’s long-standing dedication to driving meaningful social impact.
The initiative, launched in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation, has been widely recognized for its success.
The concluding ceremony brought together a diverse group of policymakers, donors, researchers, civil society actors, and community leaders to celebrate the women at the forefront of transforming agriculture, nutrition, and rural resilience in Pakistan.
Since its inception in 2023, SFtW has addressed key challenges in rural Pakistan, including climate change, food insecurity, lack of clean water access, and the systemic exclusion of women from agricultural frameworks.
Over the course of two years, the programme delivered not just progress—but tangible transformation. Focused in Vehari and Okara, it directly impacted over 130,000 individuals, while indirectly benefiting another 1.5 million.
Through the establishment of women-led Village Savings and Loan Associations, more than PKR 8.9 million was mobilized, enabling women to launch micro-enterprises and gain financial autonomy.
Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices also resulted in significant improvements—maize yields rose from 63.5 to 74.7 maunds per acre, and potato yields from 60.1 to 69.4 maunds per acre.
Access to safe drinking water was expanded with the installation of ten water filtration plants, now serving 32,717 people—many of whom are experiencing clean water access for the first time.
Moreover, the creation of 2,700 kitchen gardens empowered women to provide nutritious meals for their families while reducing household spending.
Welcoming the audience, Adil Sheraz, Country Director of CARE Pakistan, remarked:
“This programme reminded us that true transformation grows from within. She Feeds the World showed the power of women when equipped with knowledge, confidence, and community support.
This isn’t just a celebration of outcomes—it’s the dawn of a movement, with women at the helm of shaping a more dignified, sustainable future for agriculture in Pakistan.”
In his keynote address, Hatim Khan, Senior Director of International Programmes at the PepsiCo Foundation, shared:
“What we’ve witnessed through She Feeds the World goes beyond improved farming techniques—it’s a deep, lasting impact on communities.
At the PepsiCo Foundation, we believe that empowering women with resources and respect doesn’t just grow crops—it cultivates a stronger, more inclusive food future.”
The event also spotlighted inspiring community stories, such as that of Nageena, a poultry entrepreneur and mentor within her savings group. A high-level panel discussion explored inclusive agricultural value chains and policy strategies to scale gender-responsive food systems across Pakistan.
Among the panelists, Haseeb Malik, Senior Director of Supply Chain – Foods at PepsiCo Pakistan, shared valuable insights into PepsiCo’s vision for a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural future.
With clear results, enhanced community ownership, and a scalable model, SFtW has laid the groundwork for a long-term, systemic transformation that promises to benefit generations to come—across provinces, sectors, and systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is She Feeds the World (SFtW)?
She Feeds the World is a global initiative by CARE, in partnership with organizations like the PepsiCo Foundation, to empower women in agriculture. Launched in Pakistan in 2023, it aims to address rural poverty, food insecurity, and gender inequality by promoting women-led solutions in farming, nutrition, and community leadership.
What is climate-smart agriculture?
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) refers to farming methods that increase productivity while helping communities adapt to and mitigate climate change. In Pakistan’s context for 2025, CSA is crucial due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water shortages. Techniques include efficient water use, improved seed varieties, and sustainable land management.
What are Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)?
VSLAs are community-based financial groups that allow members—often women—to save money collectively and access small loans. In SFtW, VSLAs helped women launch micro-enterprises and become financially independent. This model is gaining traction in Pakistan’s rural development as a grassroots alternative to formal banking.
What is a national development partnership?
This refers to collaborative initiatives between governments, NGOs, and private sector entities to drive social progress. The partnership between CARE Pakistan and the PepsiCo Foundation is an example of this, aligning with the government’s 2025 focus on inclusive growth, rural upliftment, and women’s empowerment.
When was Pakistan’s 2025-26 federal budget announced?
Pakistan’s federal budget for FY 2025-26 was announced in early June 2025. It included significant provisions for agriculture, food security, and women’s development. Understanding this budget is vital to grasp how initiatives like SFtW align with or influence national priorities.
What is gender-responsive agriculture?
Gender-responsive agriculture refers to farming systems and policies that actively consider the roles, needs, and contributions of both men and women. In SFtW, this means empowering women not just as workers, but as decision-makers and leaders in agriculture—a core focus in Pakistan’s development strategies for 2025.
How do water filtration plants impact rural health?
Water filtration plants remove contaminants from water sources, providing safe drinking water to communities. In 2025, Pakistan continues to struggle with waterborne diseases, especially in rural areas. CARE Pakistan’s installation of these plants has significantly improved health outcomes in target districts.
What is the role of the PepsiCo Foundation in Pakistan?
As the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, the Foundation funds initiatives that support nutrition, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. Its collaboration with CARE Pakistan under SFtW represents a growing trend of corporate social responsibility (CSR) aligning with national development goals in 2025.
How will 2025 agricultural tax policies affect farmers?
Pakistan’s 2025 budget proposes revisions to agricultural tax exemptions and subsidies. While intended to broaden the tax base, critics argue it may increase input costs for small farmers. Programmes like SFtW help offset such impacts by providing training, tools, and financial alternatives to vulnerable communities.
