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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

God never left her side, and now her life is completely transformed!

After losing her husband, Danke in Ethiopia struggled to feed her six children—until her local church taught her conservation agriculture and introduced her to a women’s savings group. Today, her harvests overflow, her children flourish, and she leads other women toward hope, dignity, and sustainable income.

She learned that her voice mattered

In drought-hit Tanzania, Verian and her husband Mussa transformed their marriage, farm, and family life through church-led savings groups, conservation agriculture, and Biblical equality training. Together they now share decisions, farm work, and even cooking, proving that God’s design for unity can transform homes and communities.