Tag: community video

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

Posted on by michael

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.

Cultivating Knowledge: Bridging Agriculture, Technology and Indigenous Wisdom

Posted on by michael

As we observed International Indigenous Languages Day this week, we reflected on the unique intersection of language, agriculture, and technology and how these elements combine to support farmers around the world, particularly in culturally rich regions like Ethiopia. Farming embodies a heritage interwoven with the cultural and linguistic fabric of communities. Recognizing this, Digital Green champions the use of indigenous languages in delivering agricultural advice. This approach not only respects but also revitalizes the deep-rooted connections between traditional practices and contemporary farming wisdom.

Improving Access and Adoption with Local Language and Videos

Language barriers can significantly hinder access to vital agricultural information. By offering advisories in the local languages of farmers, these barriers can be removed, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible exchange of knowledge. Digital Green’s commitment to this cause is evident in our extension services, available in over 24 local Ethiopian languages. 

By delivering advice in the indigenous languages and dialects of a variety of regions, we provide farmers with advice that’s not only linguistically accessible but also contextually relevant. Utilizing video-based extension services, we bring agricultural practices to life in the most relatable way possible — in the farmers’ own languages. This method not only improves comprehension but also fosters a sense of belonging and community among farmers. They can see and hear practices in action, narrated in the familiar cadence of their mother tongue by a local farmer they already know, which significantly boosts the chances of these practices being adopted successfully.

A Prosperous Future for All Farmers, No Matter the Language 

Beyond video, Digital Green employs a variety of technological solutions like an AI assistant, mobile apps, voice messages, and interactive platforms, all adaptable to deliver content in indigenous languages. This ensures that crucial advisories reach farmers everywhere, even in areas where internet access might be sporadic.

Our vision at Digital Green is to create a future where every farmer, no matter their language, has the knowledge and resources to thrive. By honoring linguistic diversity, we’re not just sharing agricultural advice; we’re nurturing a global community of informed, connected, and empowered farmers. Let’s celebrate language’s vital role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering community, and advancing sustainable agriculture.