Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF):
Investing in the Women and Men Who Feed the World
As the world’s population is expected to approach 10 billion by 2050, agricultural, climate, and food security challenges have never been greater. Yet a significant part of the solution already lies in rural communities across the globe, in the hands of millions of smallholder farming families who produce most of the world’s food while often remaining among its most vulnerable populations.
It is alongside these communities that Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF) has been working for nearly fifty years.
Founded in 1977 and recognized as a public interest organization, AVSF is a French international development NGO that mobilizes agronomists, veterinarians, agricultural technicians, and rural development specialists to support farming communities throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Its mission is straightforward: to help rural families earn a dignified living from their work while preserving the natural resources on which their future depends.
A Strong Conviction: Family Farming Is Part of the Future
Contrary to common misconceptions, family farming remains the world’s primary source of food production. Nearly 70% of the food consumed globally is produced by small-scale farmers. Yet these producers often struggle with poverty, degraded natural resources, limited access to markets and finance, and are among the first to suffer the consequences of climate change. To address these challenges, AVSF promotes a development model based on agroecology, the
economic empowerment of rural communities, and the strengthening of farmers’ organizations. The goal is not to create dependence on international aid but rather to enable communities to become active drivers of their own development.
AVSF advocates for ambitious smallholder and agroecological farming systems capable of contributing sustainably to food security in both rural and urban areas, reducing poverty and inequality, and fostering the social and economic empowerment of rural women, men, and young people.
Concrete Actions in Rural Territories
AVSF’s approach is built on a simple principle: working with local communities, not for them.
In the rural regions where it operates, AVSF works alongside farming families to strengthen their autonomy and improve their living conditions over the long term. Its activities focus on:
- Promoting agroecological farming practices;
- Improving livestock production and animal health services;
- Supporting sustainable management of natural resources;
- Strengthening access to land and water;
- Developing agricultural value chains and fairtrade opportunities that provide better incomes for producers;
- Reinforcing farmers’ organizations and their ability to defend the interests of rural communities;
- Supporting populations affected by climate change, natural disasters, and food crises.
AVSF teams also operate in particularly fragile environments affected by natural disasters, climate shocks, or conflict. In post-emergency contexts, they help families rebuild their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience to future crises
Creating Lasting Impact
What makes AVSF unique is the combination of high-level technical expertise and a humancentered development approach.
When livestock keepers gain access to local veterinary services, when a cooperative improves product quality and reaches new markets, or when irrigation systems secure harvests despite recurring droughts, entire families gain autonomy and food security, while local territories benefit from sustainable economic development.
Beyond its direct beneficiaries, AVSF projects contribute to biodiversity conservation, the reduction of inequalities, and climate change mitigation through the promotion of agroecological and sustainable farming practices.
Why Should ICC Identify with AVSF’s Mission?
Beyond development assistance, AVSF addresses several key priorities that are at the heart of Rotary’s commitment to service: poverty reduction, local economic development, food security, sustainable access to natural resources, environmental protection, and community strengthening.
Its approach emphasizes education, capacity building, and local ownership, promoting sustainable solutions through partnership and shared responsibility. These values resonate strongly with Rotary’s vision of creating lasting, positive change in communities around the world.
To learn more or support AVSF’s work: www.avsf.org
AVSF is supported and recognized by numerous international partners, including the French Government and the European Union, as well as nearly 10,000 private donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. In France, the organization has been accredited by the “Don en Confiance” independent certification body since 2006, recognizing its standards of transparency and sound financial management.
Key Figures
- Nearly 50 years of commitment to family farming.
- More than 700,000 beneficiaries reached every year through farming families, cooperatives, and producers’ organizations.
- Over 80 projects implemented simultaneously worldwide.
- Operations in 23 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- Approximately 290 staff members and experts, with 90% originating from the countries where AVSF operates.
Rotary Izmir Dokuz Eylül
District 2440, Turkey - Past District Governor
Past Rotary Public Image Coordinator
Turkish Rotary Magazine board member
Active member of the WASH and SRoF fellowships
TRF CADRE
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