Globally, 8-in-10 people living in poverty live in rural areas. This means that their livelihoods revolve around agriculture. The crops they grow serve as both their food and income. Environmental degradation depletes soil, increases vulnerability to natural disasters, and intensifies the impact of climate change.
When people cannot grow sufficient food, many are forced to make difficult choices like taking children out of school or moving to a city to look for work. The good news is that this cycle can be put in reverse. Replenishing ecosystems allows people to grow better livelihoods, develop savings, and invest in the health of their community.