Farmers in Soyamie just picked their first tomato harvest!

From February 22, 2023

Shamago (L), his wife, their younger son, and Belete (WEEMA staff) with some of their harvested tomatoes.

This past fall, 58 farmers participated in our agriculture pilot program. Farmers learned new farming and irrigation skills and received vegetable seeds (onion and tomato), forage seeds (to feed livestock), avocado saplings, and farming tools, including a sickle, spade, and watering cans.

I am happy to report that tomatoes were harvested last month in the village of Soyamie, and the crop was healthy and produced A LOT of tomatoes. The farmers were happy with their first harvest, seeing positive results within six months.

Shamago, his wife, and children live in the village of Soyamie and reported they had a very good crop- they kept some of the tomatoes to feed their family and sold the surplus at the market. With the money earned from selling their tomatoes, they were able to cover their older son’s transportation costs to Wachamo University. This first crop not only fed their family but also provided income to support their son’s education and future.

Shamago and his wife feel hopeful about their future harvests- they and all the farmers will continue to receive ongoing support from local trainers to strengthen their skills.

Smallholder farmers are highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, including drought. These new skills will ensure farmers like Shalemo can continue to provide food for their families.