Our Approaches

The Canadian Hunger Foundation’s fundamental approach is to respect and empower local populations as architects of their own development. This approach helps identify hidden assets, untapped potential, networks of people, skills and resources — all of which give communities the power to transform themselves and create stable and sustainable livelihoods. We look deeper into a community, peering into places no one has ever looked before, to discover what's right with the picture.

When communities own development--when families drive change with their insights and enthusiasm-- we can tap vast reservoirs of potential and see change that lasts for generations. Entire communities are working closely with CHF to design and implement projects, while also providing advice throughout the process. The result is that CHF’s programming is building sustainable results and resilient communities.

CHF’s development practice is grounded in two core approaches:

Sustainable Livelihoods Approach – CHF’s Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) uses a comprehensive, integrated and assets-based approach to rural development that brings sustainable transformation to the lives of people living in poverty. SLA analyzes poverty in rural areas in a way that respects and empowers households and communities. It then uses that analysis, and the aspirations of the families we work with, to develop livelihood strategies that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

Capacity Building – We believe that building on local capacity is integral to ensuring sustainable development. Thus, CHF implements most of its projects in partnership with local organizations, simultaneously building the capacity of these organizations to grow and thrive. Working through a main partner, we are also able to build capacity within the broader network of community-based organizations and local government, and among individual households and community members.