For decades, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been empowering communities worldwide by providing the tools and knowledge they need to build sustainable livelihoods. In Jharkhand, an eastern state of India, FAO-funded programs have helped lift people out of poverty by providing expertise, high-quality seeds and other materials, and essential farm equipment. These initiatives enable villagers to cultivate sustainable crops, raise livestock, and engage in aquaculture—ensuring food security and opening access to vital markets.
To bring this important story to life, the UN partnered with video production agency AsiaWorks. Collaborating with both the UN and the agency, Kris LeBoutillier served as the writer, producer, and director of an ambitious video project spanning the region. The production highlighted not only the programs themselves but also the people whose lives they transformed—especially women farmers and cooperative managers.
Through powerful video storytelling and photography, the project captured firsthand accounts from village leaders and UN officials, showcasing the tangible impact of these agricultural initiatives. By amplifying their voices, the video (still in production) brings global attention to how sustainable farming is changing lives in Eastern India.
