Of the 750 million people living in sub-Saharan Africa today, 325 million live on less than $1 a day. Two-thirds live in rural areas and rely on agriculture for survival. Many live without access to clean water, sanitation, and quality health care.

Amid these challenges, the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative, launched in 2006, is working to catalyze economic growth in Africa. At the invitation of the Governments of Rwanda and Malawi, CHDI is working in these two countries to expand access to clean water, sanitation, and health care in ways that are sustainable and scalable; increase agricultural productivity, develop value-added agriculture products and agri-businesses; and better channel these products to domestic and international markets.

RWANDA

• Worked with the Government of Rwanda to import 14,000 tons of fertilizer at 30 percent below market prices—the largest purchase of fertilizer in Rwandan history—and to distribute fertilizer to records numbers of farmers.
• Distributed 97 tons of maize seeds, 5.7 million cuttings of disease-resistant cassava, and 145 tons of improved bean seeds to farmers in eastern Rwanda, and trained farmers on advanced planting techniques. Subsequently, crop yields increased 240%, providing food to 30,000 people and income to farmers.
• Worked with CHAI, PIH, the Government of Rwanda, and others to renovate an abandoned facility into a fully-functioning District Hospital serving 265,000 people and now recognized as a Pediatric Center for Excellence. Also supported improvements to several satellite health facilities serving 425,000 Rwandans.

MALAWI

• Assisted in the formation and financing of the Neno Hills Farmers’ Association (NHFA), through which 1,200 Malawian farmers procured improved wheat seed and fertilizer, most of them for the first time. Previously, Malawi produced less than 20% of wheat consumed domestically.
• Joined with PIH on construction of Neno District Hospital and on construction of 23 houses for hospital staff.
• Launched integrated water and sanitation improvements for 24 schools serving 7,000 students in Chitipa District; health facilities in Dowa District; and several communities and health centers in Neno District.

Learn more about the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative