This gift gets behind rice growers and gives them the means to produce bigger and better crops. They get the seeds, tools, and training to grow quality rice in a more environmentally friendly way, and the skills to sell it more successfully at a fairer price.

This is a brand new gift for Oxfam Unwrapped this year, however Oxfam already knows how important supporting rice farmers is. Rice is an essential food crop to well over half of the world’s population. Rice is more important to people with low levels of income and is essential to the alleviation of poverty and hunger.

Columbia

In the Catatumbo Region of Colombia, rice growing has been re-introduced to improve the stability of the food supply for people affected by the armed conflict in the country. Oxfam have provided families with loans to buy rice seeds and tools. A local organisation have been given a rice miller that people can use to transform rice from it’s natural form into an edible product. They also have a rice drier, packaging machine and scales. Families have access to everything they need to earn a profit from rice growing.

People also received training on organic methods of growing rice. Organic farming adds value to rice and therefore increases the profit people make. Organic methods are also important in terms of preserving the environment.

Ernesto’s story >

Ernesto Ramírez says: "The rice miller gives us a chance to re-establish a stable food supply for families. It’s also a way to change attitudes in regional production methods, as we can introduce a culture of productivity whilst ensuring sustainability of the environment."

Alirio’s story

Alirio Ibarguen from Tamboral says: "The rice miller is important as historically we have always lived off rice. Now that we know about this process, rice is a big business. Now we all have food in the home, food for the birds and animals and a source of income. We can also share the rice with families most in need."