New knowledge and Skills Transform Farming Practices, Boost Nutrition for Families

In Darara village, farming is the way of life for a good majority of the residents. For Kifle and her husband, Daniel Gemechu, maise, in particular, was their primary crop, serving as both a source of food and income. To supplement their livelihood, they planted trees; however, these took five to seven (5-7) years to mature, and the returns were far too modest to meet their family’s needs. Over time, their limited farming practices left them increasingly vulnerable. 

Additionally, the meals they consumed further reflected their struggles, often consisting solely of maise, the only crop they could readily grow and afford. “We lacked knowledge about diversifying our farming practices,” Kifle reflected. The traditional method yielded poor produce and barely sustained us. With maise as the key food dominating our meals, I had little experience preparing nutritious dishes for my children.”

Kifle and Daniel initially lacked a diverse farming system that could provide a variety of agricultural inputs. Fresh vegetables were scarce and expensive, leaving them with little experience in growing or cooking nutritious foods. Reflecting on their challenges, Kifle shared:

But the turning point came when World Vision introduced a training program for farmers like Kifle. The training focused on land management, vegetable farming, and child nutrition, complemented by the provision of vegetable seeds. Kifle embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. “The training transformed my way of life. It was a complete U-turn for us,” she shared. 

Kifle and Daniel initially struggled with a lack of diversity in their farming system, which limited their access to a variety of agricultural inputs. Fresh vegetables were scarce and expensive, leaving them with little experience in growing or preparing nutritious foods. Reflecting on their past, Kifle states, "We were unaware of the benefits of diversifying our farming. The traditional methods yielded poor produce and provided little sustenance." With maise as the primary ingredient in most of their meals—simply because it was readily available—Kifle had limited experience in preparing nutritious dishes for her children.

In an effort to improve the lives of Kifle and other women in the community, World Vision provided training on vegetable farming and supplied them with vegetable seeds. This initiative marked a transformative turning point for Kifle. She enthusiastically shares, "The training I received focused on land management, vegetable farming, and child nutrition. It was incredibly important and changed my life forever."

Armed with new skills and knowledge, Kifle started a vegetable garden. Within three months, her efforts bore fruit, literally. She harvested a variety of fresh produce and joined a savings group established by World Vision. Through her weekly contributions of 100 Birr, she accessed loans that allowed her to invest in a milk cow worth 35,000 Birr (approximately $289). This investment enabled her to prepare nutritious meals for her children using milk and its byproducts.

Today, Kifle has successfully expanded her vegetable farming, her farm is a vibrant showcase of diversity, yielding carrots, cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Her family’s meals are no longer monotonous but filled with nutritious variety.

With plans to delve into dairy farming as well, she reflects on the impact this journey has had on her family. "The training was life-changing, it has enabled me to diversify our meals. I can now provide my children with nutritious food, and I’m proud to say they are healthy and thriving. Having a vegetable garden right in our yard has truly transformed our eating habits—it’s an exciting new chapter for us,” a radiant smile lighting up her face.  

Kifle's 14-year-old son, Amrot, now in fifth grade, is thrilled with the changes in his family. “Our yard is overflowing with vegetables! It's amazing to see them on our table. They're delicious!”

Through World Vision’s Darara Area Programme, funded by World Vision USA, the Integrated Livelihood and Nutrition Security (ILaNS) project has reached 240 households with training and provided vegetable seeds to 215 families. The initiative is creating a ripple effect in the community, enhancing household food security, and improving lives.

For Daniel and Kifle, the support they have received has been life-changing. “I hope others can replicate these practices and experience the same transformation,” they quip. 

As the vegetable farms flourish in Darara, so does hope, fueled by resilience, new skills, and the support of World Vision. 

By Hilina Hailu, Communications Coordinator, World Vision Ethiopia