Heifer International contributes to the growth of small and growing businesses (SGBs) in low income countries through the development of pro-poor, wealth-creating value chains in the agriculture sector. Our model recognizes that markets play a pivotal role in achieving our mission to end poverty and hunger, while caring for the Earth. There are over 500 million small farms in the world, and smallholder farmers, most of them women, produce 80% of the developing world’s food. By organizing large numbers (up to 10,000) of smallholders at the community level, and providing them with training, equipment, technical support and access to finance, Heifer International and our partners co-create sustainable, small scale enterprises at multiple points along agricultural value chains, from input to consumption. Heifer International works in partnership with farmer groups, community-based organizations, corporations of all sizes, foundations, governments and bi- and multi-lateral donors. Our work generates and strengthens SGBs in 21 countries, through value chains in beef and dairy, goat meat and milk, fish, pork, fruit and vegetables, eggs and poultry, nuts, coffee, wool and fiber, spices and honey. We help smallholder farmers build their businesses, create jobs, supply their communities with goods and services, and—most importantly—improve their lives through higher incomes, better nutrition, improved land, water and animal management, and the creation of strong social capital.