Reaping Hope: A Model Farmer's Journey to Sustainable Abundance

Generations of traditional farming had depleted the soil, leaving it barren. Climate change has only worsened the struggle, with unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures threatening the survival of smallholder farmers who rely on the land. Therefore, we equipped local farmers with tools and techniques so that they could cope with these conditions efficiently.

Through hands-on training and tailored guidance, Tafese learned new practices that transformed both his farm and his outlook on life. One of the key lessons that made a significant impact was when he learned that, rather than just planting trees for aesthetics, crops like avocados and tomatoes could provide food for his family. 

A land full of life

The use of organic compost revived the soil; water conservation techniques ensured stability during dry seasons, and crop diversification opened the door to new opportunities.

Tafese’s transformation has rippled across the community. Farmers, once isolated in their struggles, began working together to rehabilitate degraded land and adopt sustainable watershed management practices. The project brought unity where there was once solitude, creating a shared strength that no individual farmer could achieve alone.

Change is possible

Tafese’s is a story of empowerment and possibility, written in the green fields and hopeful hearts of Sidama. For this farmer and many like him, it's also a deeply personal journey.

As the Sidama Natural Resource Management initiative draws to a close, its legacy endures in the lives it has transformed. This was possible with funding from the Czech Development Agency (CZDA). Their support has not only nurtured growth in Sidama