From Tradition to Transformation: An Ethiopian Farming Family’s Path to Sustainability

In the lush landscape of Homacho Chawa kebele, Sidama, Ethiopia. Birhanu Kansara and his wife, Zenu Mokona, are rewriting their farming story. As parents to a young daughter, they once relied solely on traditional practices and methods passed down through generations, but these were limited in their ability to boost productivity or income. Despite their tireless effort, the farm’s potential remained untapped, and securing a brighter future felt uncertain.

That changed when the couple joined a series of video-enabled training sessions organized in their community. Through these locally delivered videos, they were introduced to modern, practical techniques that made sense for smallholder farmers like them. Among the most valuable lessons were:

• Preparing nutrient-rich compost to enrich soil naturally
• Proper pit preparation and planting for avocado saplings
• Grafting techniques to grow improved avocado varieties
• Better harvesting and post-harvest handling practices to increase profits
  

The sessions didn’t just give them new information; they gave them a spark of confidence and the tools to act.

Back on their farm, Birhanu and Zenu immediately began applying what they learned. Side by side, they prepared compost, planted improved avocado varieties, and shifted their daily practices toward more sustainable approaches. The couple’s unity in learning and action marked the beginning of a transformation.

Today, change is visible across their land. The soil is healthier, their young avocado seedlings are thriving, and their outlook has shifted from uncertainty to optimism. While the full harvest is still ahead, they’ve laid the groundwork for abundance—not only for their family’s income but also for their community, where neighbors are already taking note of their progress.

“We used to farm the way our parents did because it was all we knew,” Birhanu reflects. “Now, with new knowledge, we feel prepared for the future.”

Birhanu and Zenu’s journey shows how targeted training and a willingness to adapt can unlock lasting success. They are not only building a more profitable farm but also creating a sustainable legacy for their daughter and setting an example of resilience and innovation for others in Aleta Wondo.