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The Trailblazer Defying Societal Norms

A story of transformation and defying the odds

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.

Felekech was one of the first leaders to blaze the trail for conservation agriculture after her life was transformed by the agricultural practices.
“I am no longer a poor widow—I am an expert that teaches men."

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.

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

Water from the Rock: The life-giving power of water

In the dry, barren land of rural Kenya, John Musyoka Mwangangi and his family face a constant struggle to sustain their plantation. Yet, a nearby spring offers a lifeline, transforming their prospects. Through Tearfund’s Nature Positive (N+) program, John’s farm is being restored, bringing renewed hope and a vision for a better future.

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