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The Trailblazer Defying Societal Norms

A story of transformation and defying the odds

October 5, 2020

Meet Felekech Teka, a widow of sixteen years and single mother of six who lives in the lowland township of Abele Kolshoba in the Humbo District, Ethiopia.

As the head of the household and sole breadwinner for her large family, Felekech spent many years struggling to put food on the table for her children. For at least three months every year, they only ate one meal per day.

When we first met Felekech in 2015, the painful hunger of the recent drought was fresh in her mind. Her traditional farming methods could not withstand Ethiopia’s harsh, dry weather—climate-smart, low-input, and sustainable farming technologies were needed.

Instead of leaving Felekech to struggle alone, Tearfund Canada and Terpeza Development Association introduced her to conservation agriculture. Felekech, a leader and trailblazer, was one of the first sixty farmers in the whole province to be trained.

“Poor rains meant that many conventional crops dried up, but my conservation agriculture plot stood out with thick, healthy corn. Look at how healthy and big the cobs are!”

When we visited Felekesh in 2018 during her third year of the program, her transformation was even more evident:

“I am no longer a poor widow – I am an expert that teaches men. So far this year, over 100 farmers and neighbours have come to learn from me – a woman! I have the best farm yield in the whole community. I have two daughters in university, and I can pay all of their fees from the surplus crops that I sell. I never worry about the amount of food we have…”

Through conservation agriculture, Felekech is defying societal norms and helping her community members help themselves. She is a trailblazer, and only one of the many farmers whose lives have changed forever.

...I have no stress, and I have confidence. I trusted God. I go to church every week, and the offering at my church is much bigger than it used to be. I give with great happiness. At harvest time, I even give extra, in both money and food from my harvest. The food goes to the pastor, because someone has to feed him!”

You can impact a family’s life by bringing an end to poverty

Finding her God-Given Identity

When Françoise joined a church-led food security program in the DRC, she didn’t expect it to transform her life. Learning sustainable farming and rabbit care not only gave her the ability to feed her family, but also opened her eyes to her God-given identity and potential. Now, she’s inspiring other women to dream, work, and provide for their families—breaking free from long-held cultural limits.

As the waters rose, so did her prayers

When floods destroyed her crops in South Sudan, disabled mother Agot Garang feared for her children’s survival. Through Tearfund’s local church program, she received food supplies and farming support, restoring dignity, hope, and a future. Her story reflects the Gospel in action: faith expressed through tangible love and care.