Tewabech Talo's Agricultural Journey
Published: Dec 18, 2024 Reading time: 3 minutes
A transformation is quietly unfolding in the breathtaking highlands of the Sidama region, Ethiopia. For Tewabech Talo, a female model farmer from a small village, farming was once a struggle. Like many in Ethiopia, where over 80% of the population relies on agriculture, she grappled with the growing challenges of climate change, including droughts, floods, and soil degradation. Unpredictable shifts in weather patterns are challenging, with longer dry spells and destructive floods disrupting harvests and increasing food insecurity. She has reshaped her community's agricultural future by introducing sustainable farming practices.
We worked with the community to introduce an agricultural initiative to provide innovative ideas, advanced tools, and hands-on training to help farmers like Tewabech thrive. The programme focuses on soil and water conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and integrated watershed management.
Among its standout innovations was vermicomposting, a natural fertiliser harnessing worms' power to turn organic waste into rich, fertile soil. This simple yet revolutionary technique didn't just boost crop yields; it offered farmers a sustainable way to rejuvenate the land, ensuring its productivity for future generations.
At first, Tewabech was sceptical.
Immediate Results and Richer Soil
The results were almost immediate. Tweabech noticed a remarkable difference in her soil by incorporating vermicompost into her farming practices. "The soil became richer, and my crops grew healthier," she proudly says. Along with the new irrigation methods, using the vermicompost gave her farm a boost she hadn't expected.
Her success didn't stop there. With the knowledge she gained through the project, she diversified her crops, planting vegetables, fruits, and other cash crops. One of her proudest achievements was using the income from her vegetable sales to buy a cow.
The cow provides milk for her family and an additional source of income.
Due to her success, she felt a responsibility to the community.
Soon, she shared her new sustainable farming techniques with her neighbours.
Her farm has become a model for others, and Tewabech is proud to play a leading role in her village's transformation.
She continues to share her knowledge and inspire others, helping her entire community.
"The journey is not over," Tewabech says, looking ahead. "There is still much to be done, but we're on the right path." With continued support and a collective effort, she believes her village can achieve even more. "Together, we can build a future we can all be proud of."
Sustainable agriculture is the future
Tewabech's story is a powerful reminder that farmers can still thrive despite the challenges with the proper knowledge, tools, and community support. Her success with sustainable farming practices, including vermicomposting, has provided a blueprint for her community to follow.
We have been working on natural resource management, environmental restoration, water management, and agriculture to address the impacts of climate change through sustainable practices throughout our programmes, promoting sustainable farming techniques such as soil and water conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and integrated watershed management. These integrated initiatives support farmers with tools and training to enhance productivity and resilience against the challenges of climate change.
Thanks to the support of the CZDA funding, we work with Tewabech and many others in Sidama to build a sustainable agricultural future based on knowledge and collaboration.
