In a sun-dappled orchard in Northern Pakistan, farmer and orchardist Muhammed Umer is collecting ripe fruits from bursting tree branches. After collecting a large haul of juicy pomegranates, guava and apples, he turns toward home, content with the day’s harvest.

In Annar Bagh, a remote corner of Waziristan, agriculture is the main source of livelihood for locals, but the lack of agricultural infrastructure and poor economic conditions make it a tough life. This adds to the difficulties already faced by local communities who had been temporarily displaced from their homes because of the conflict in 2008. For many years, Umer and his family lived in the Tank District, an area that hosted thousands of other displaced people. Not only was this environment tough, but Umer has had to overcome other challenges too - ones he has faced since birth.

Together with USAID, FAO aims to reduce poverty and economic inequalities in these conflict-affected districts of Pakistan. When Umer and other families returned to their land after almost ten years of displacement, the infrastructure and agricultural land was in an abandoned state, and the irrigation channels in the area were severely damaged. This is why, FAO is now working to revitalise agriculture in the area, helping increase communities’ resilience and boost their livelihoods, food security and nutrition.

Behind all of our food, there is always someone who produced, planted, harvested, fished or transported it. To celebrate the World Food Day on October 16, we take the opportunity to thank these #FoodHeroes who, no matter the circumstances, continue to provide food for their communities and beyond - helping to grow, nourish and sustain our world.

Read the sotry of #FoodHeroe Muhammed Umer