From Survival to Success: A woman farmer through learning

Marema Mursela, a 45-year-old household head and mother of four, lives in Kalu Woreda (district), South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region. In 2025, she joined a Farmer Field School (FFS) under the “post-conflict resilience strengthening project” supported by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project provided an opportunity to transform her farming practices and livelihood.

In the northern regions of Amhara, Tigray, and Afar, years of conflict, compounded by recurrent droughts, flooding, and disrupted supply chains, have severely affected agricultural production. As a result, farming and agropastoral communities face constraints in seed access and availability, undermining their resilience and increasing vulnerability to low productivity and persistent food insecurity. 

The livelihood of Marema and her family was not immune to these challenges.  Before joining the FFS, she faced significant agricultural and economic challenges mainly due to the conflict. Limited access to improved seeds, fertilizers, effective pest and weed management resulted in low productivity. Unable to afford essential inputs, she often rented out her land to other farmers.

From an already modest yield of about 14 quintals per hectare, Marema received only half through sharecropping, which was insufficient to meet her family’s basic needs. Over time, this deepened her economic hardship.

A turning point through hands-on learning

Joining the FFS marked a major turning point. Through season-long, hands-on learning sessions, Marema received improved sorghum seed and fertilizer and strengthened her skills in community-based seed multiplication, roughing, safe weed management, pest control, and improved storage and marketing practices.

With this knowledge, she began managing her land more confidently and efficiently.

“We didn’t have the experience before, so we relied on what we were taught, learning how to produce our own seeds instead of just buying them. With regular weekly guidance and field monitoring, we saw clear improvements in the sorghum, and we worked throughout the season based on the agricultural expert’s advice,” said Marema.

Stronger livelihoods, greater resilience

By the end of the main season, Marema harvested an impressive 34 quintals of certified sorghum seed – more than double her previous production. She sold 20 quintals to a seed enterprise, while safely storing 14 for community seed supply. The income enabled her to purchase teff for household consumption, address cash shortages for agricultural inputs, and reinvest in her farm.

Marema Mursela proudly showcases sorghum grain in her small store, harvested from newly introduced drought-tolerant improved seeds.

Beyond the financial gains, participation in the FFS strengthened farmers’ technical knowledge, increased productivity, and improved household economic stability in the targeted areas.

Mohammed Hussein, Crop Development Expert in Kalu Woreda, noted that the FFS approach improved productivity and enabled farmers to solve problems independently. “It strengthened our ability on how to organize our farmers across sectors beyond agriculture and enhanced their capacity to adopt and scale new agricultural technologies,” he added.

Empowering women farmers in post-conflict settings

Marema’s success has earned her greater recognition and respect within her community as a capable and successful woman farmer. The FFS approach has also empowered women to rebuild livelihoods, improve food security, and strengthen community resilience in conflict affected areas.

“Through the Farmer Field School, I gained the skills and confidence to manage my land and secure a better future for my family,” said Marema.