A story of transformation and defying the odds
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.
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.
When a landslide swept through Chooralmala, India, Basheer lost the tea shop he had run for nearly 30 years. Grief and hopelessness set in—until friends, family, and Tearfund’s partner EFICOR came alongside him. With their support, and a vital gift to restart his business, Basheer rebuilt both his shop and his spirit.
When drought and market struggles left Semayat’s family hungry, she said “yes” to trying conservation agriculture through Tearfund’s partner TDA. The results were astonishing—her maize harvest grew eightfold, the quality improved, and she gained both food security and extra income. Now, with four months’ food stored, she’s planning to expand to new crops and teach others.
Takes place on Zoom, on the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 pm (EST)
