Second Need Assessment Field Trip
Yunes Abou El Wafa, Eduardo Cardoso, Lucas Margans, Sofia Toraldo, Sunil Mishra
December 13, 2023
Begunia and Chilika (Khordha)
Embark on a Journey of Change with SAFER: A Day in the Life of Farmers' Resilience
Explore the rural landscapes of Khordha as SAFER's dedicated team conducts focus group discussions and surveys to understand the challenges faced by farmers in Begunia and Chilika. On December 13th, the SAFER team worked tirelessly, engaging with male and female farmers to uncover the intricacies of their agricultural practices and the impact of climate change on their livelihoods.
In Begunia, farmers shared struggles with droughts, insect infestations, and unpredictable rainfall. Coping mechanisms discussed included soil tests, rainwater harvesting, and a shift towards natural farming practices. Transitioning to Chilika, similar challenges were echoed, emphasizing the need for technical support, training, and timely access to seeds.
Surveys conducted simultaneously revealed unanimous acknowledgment among farmers of the impact of extreme weather events on their crops. The results highlighted a thirst for knowledge and skills related to climate change, disaster risk reduction, and natural hazards. Farmers expressed a strong desire for technical support, training, and timely access to seeds.
The stories from Dalatola in Kunjuni and Chandeswar in Chilika paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by these resilient farmers. SAFER's holistic approach, combining focus group discussions and surveys, aims to create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each community.
As SAFER continues its transformative journey, the echoes of farmers' voices resonate, carrying the hope for a brighter, more sustainable future. Join us in cultivating resilience and sowing the seeds for a thriving agriculture sector despite the challenges of a changing climate.