Agricultural Technology Improves the Lives of Vulnerable Farmers in Ethiopia
W/ro Shenteme Jarra is a 35 year-old woman who is one of the beneficiaries of CPAR's Farmers First Food Security Program. More specifically, she is one of the beneficiaries for the seed multiplication program in Abo Yayebena Kebele. Shenteme lives with her four children and her livelihood includes agricultural production and the sales of local beer (Tella) & alcohol drinks (Areke). She has one hectare of land which has been used for the production of food crops such as teff, wheat, chickpeas, etc. In addition to this, Shenteme has two oxen, which she contracts out in order to generate income.
Even though she has two oxen and one hectare of land, her annual production and rent income can't cover her family's annual consumption. Additionally, like other community members, she must visit local lenders to get credit services (in-kind or cash) to be paid for future production.
Shenteme was selected as a beneficiary for the wheat seed multiplication program as she has one hectare of land for that is used specifically for that purpose. Shenteme was also selected as a model for other farming households in their vicinity in adopting improved agronomic practices.
Shenteme received various forms of support from CPAR including training on improved agricultural technologies and practices, saving and credit education and marketing. In addition to this, she was provided with 75kg of improved wheat seed, 50kg of DAP and 50kg of UREA fertilizers.
After all of this technical support as well production input provision, she produced 16.5 quintal of wheat on a half hectare of land. As a result, there has now be a great improvement in Shenteme's household.
For the first time in a long time, she has a sufficient crop to feed her family and for household expenses. She also anticipates having a surplus for the coming rainy season so that her children will have enough food and better clothing.