Impact study 60 Decibels: results of The Hunger Project in 12 countries
In 2024, The Hunger Project an external agency to measure our impact on the areas most important to us: eliminating hunger, reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and mobilising community power.
60 Decibels, a recognised social impact authority, collected data among over 2,000 community members in 12 countries. This provides valuable insights into the impact of our programs, and testimonies from our partners on how their involvement in The Hunger Project has changed their lives.
Key findings and highlights
Banning hunger
Our programs transform food systems so that everyone has access to locally produced, nutritious food that supports their health, well-being and growth. To this end, we work with trained community leaders to demonstrate sustainable farming methods, to inform families about the importance of nutrition for mothers and young children, to develop food processing companies in communities, and more.
In the study, 92% of the respondents indicated that their access to healthy meals increased Since they worked with us, and reported 85% of the respondents less stress over nutrition.
Promoting gender equality
Empowerment of women is essential to create a world without hunger. When women get access to resources and support, they shift the priorities of the community to topics such as sanitation, nutrition, health and education. That is why we are focusing on breaking established ideas about the role of women in society and creating space in which women can develop their leadership.
After involvement in The Hunger Project take four out of five community members – women and men – now more equal decisions within the household.
It is important to mention that the study showed that gender differences persist, particularly in the areas of financial well-being and social involvement, with men reporting more progress. We continue to promote gender equality in the communities where we work through gender-based initiatives that create equal opportunities for women.
"I used to be a housewife and I didn't come out. Now I go to meetings and talk to people. Since joining THP, I have learned to listen to the problems of the community and to make money myself."
Reduce poverty.
Hunger and poverty are intertwined. Our programmes help to lay the foundations for their economic independence. We facilitate courses of reading, writing and calculating run by the community, training for entrepreneurs, introducing savings and credit groups (Village Savings and Loan Associations) and, where necessary, revenue-generating activities in the community, and we support better farming methods so that farmers earn more from their harvest.
85% of the respondents reported that they were better able to cover their expenses after their involvement in The Hunger Project. Asked about the main changes in financial well-being, partners mentioned improved financial stability, more diversification of income sources and growth of their business.
Mobilising Community power
The core of all our programmes is mobilising communities. Our strategies aim to build people’s capacities, leadership and confidence. We train women and men and give them the skills, methods and knowledge they need to take independent action to improve their lives and conditions in their community.
This emphasis has led to a marked increase of 42% in community involvement, with many take on key roles in health and sanitation, community mobilisation and capacity building. Over a third of respondents attributed this change to more self-confidence and leadership skills: A proof of the strength of our training programs.
In addition, 97% of the partners surveyed reported that involvement in local authorities and social service providers has increased since their collaboration with The Hunger Project.
"Since joining The Hunger Project, I've become more involved with our local government. I regularly attend local meetings and I am asked to share my thoughts when working on the Union budget. This gives me the opportunity to represent the interests of our community."
From figures to better programmes
The Hunger Project opts for an approach that pertains to innovation and data, with the community at the helm.
On the basis of this study, 60 Decibels per country produced a report with concrete figures and insights. These results are the topic of discussion among programme staff worldwide: They learn from each other, point out the outcomes together and thus sharpen the programs further.
Create a world without hunger
It is great to see that our partners have reported significant improvements in important areas of our joint work.
96% of respondents reported improved quality of life following involvement in The Hunger Project.
This shows that together we can change the systems of inequality that sustain hunger. Women and men feel stronger. Young people can imagine a better future, often for the first time in their lives.
Together, we put an end to hunger.
Permanent change begins with people who take control of the wheel themselves. You in?
