- Ethiopia
“I was born and raised on a farm, where changes happen seldom and very slowly. We are used to learning from our parents and our neighbors and follow the traditional way of doing things. We did not think much about new technologies and trying new things was mostly a guessing game. That is why we are very excited about the new approach being used to teach us about new technologies. “
At 57, Woldekiros Dube, a farmer from Ethiopia, is responsible for a family of 21 – two wives and 19 children.
The new approach Woldekiros is talking about is a pilot project, started by Oxfam in 2012 : Digital Green. With this project, to teach farmers new skills, techniques or technologies, development agents work with with local farmers to produce tutorial videos that are then shared with other farmers.
“What used to be just theory is now more practical. We decide on which technology we want to learn about, see how other farmers are applying that technology, and learn and discuss in groups,une sharing our experience and knowledge. In the last two years I have learned how to use improved seeds, line sowing, weeding, applying the right amount of fertilizer, etc… And when it comes to our livestock we have started using improved variety of chicken, cows that produce more milk, we know how much to feed our oxen to fatten them and generate more income. I see my life changing for the better and faster. No more guessing game.”
Photo: Selome Kebede/Oxfam
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