Growing Her Future

Meet Asnakech Zema. In this film, she welcomes us to her thriving farm in southern Ethiopia. In the last three years, she has built up her land through practicing conservation agriculture, and now grows enough food to feed her family and others. The film was created to invite Canadians to let their elected leaders know they care about ending hunger through greater supporter for small-scale farmers like Asnakech.

The work she and her family are doing to improve soil fertility, add crop diversity and develop marketing are increasing their resilience in the face of climate change and other crises. Asnakech’s husband treats her with new respect—and works alongside her in a farming and life partnership. Asnakech is not alone. This film introduces us to others in her community who are no longer dependent on government safety net programs, as new farming practices, co-operative Self Help Groups (SHG) and greater gender equality bring widespread change.

Food for Today, Soil for Tomorrow

Meet Habtamu Temegsen. In this film, he welcomes us to his farm in northern Ethiopia, where he lives with his wife Yitayish and their two children. In the past, Habtamu used conventional farming methods, using oxen and plows which caused soil erosion and soil infertility. The farm could not provide a livelihood for Habtamu and his family. Through Canadian Foodgrains Bank member Mennonite Central Committee Canada, Habtamu was able to participate in a conservation agriculture program implemented by MCC’s local partner, Migbare Senay Children and Family Support Organization (MSCFSO). Since adopting conservation agriculture techniques on his farm, Habtamu’s crops have grown well, are better protected, and the harvest has increased. He does four months worth of labor in one day. Habtamu feels proud of what he takes to the market and is a member of a community Self Help Group. Watch his story and listen to Habtamu describe in his own words how life has improved for the whole family.