Shaimaa’s story: potatoes, profits and potential

Roughly 100 miles south of Cairo, Shaimaa Esmail Mohamad has been tending her small plot of land for 12 years. The mother of four grows potatoes and other crops like maize, wheat, onion and garlic in the village of Bani Kassem, managing and cultivating the land alone.

While potatoes are one of the most important crops for the local economy, farmers like Shaimaa receive little support. Women in agriculture play a critical role in ensuring global food security, accounting for nearly half of all agricultural labor in some countries. But they often work without fair land rights, training, or the tools they need to succeed. Research shows that if female farmers had the same access to resources as male farmers, they would increase yields up to 30%.

Last year, Shaimaa learned new growing techniques through the She Feeds the World program. In partnership with CARE, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation, the program shared crucial information like how the depth of planting seeds impacts growth, how to manage pests and ways to select better performing seeds. Thanks to her newfound knowledge, she has been able to double her potato yield from 3 tons to 6.3, while reducing her water and fertilizer use. “Even though I have been farming for 12 years, I have learned new things,” Shaimaa says.

She found new business opportunities, too. With greater yield, Shaimaa was able to sign a contract with Chipsy, a popular potato chip brand in Egypt owned by PepsiCo. The contract means Shaimaa has increased her profits, allowing her to pay the rent on her land on time and purchase vital farming resources like fertilizer.

Shaimaa’s story is one of many since PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation began working with CARE to help support small-holder farmers. These growers are part of an essential group of 570 million people around the world who contribute to the global food system — including many of the more than 35 crops PepsiCo uses for its business around the world.

The goal of She Feeds the World is to help farmers access resources such as financing, education and farming tools to allow them to increase production and tap into new markets. There is a strong focus on helping farmers develop skills and techniques to build more sustainable and resilient farms.

As of 2024, She Feeds the World has reached over 3.6 million farmers and members of their communities. Now in its second phase in Egypt, the PepsiCo Foundation is investing an additional $2 million and increasing its reach to include an additional 180,000 people.

“As our global population continues to grow, the impact that farmers like Shaimaa have on agriculture could help tackle world hunger,” says Hatim Khan, Senior Director of International Programs at the PepsiCo Foundation. “By increasing farmers’ access to resources and markets and improving nutrition in their communities, PepsiCo and CARE Egypt are proud to contribute to this work and continue our support to small-scale farmers.”