Seeds and Skills for Women to Grow Vegetables

All over the world, women farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security and fostering community resilience. Yet, in many rural areas, women face systemic challenges, from low incomes to limited opportunities. In Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, we have worked over the past 3 years to support women farmers in five villages through diverse vegetable growing, small-scale commercial strawberry farming, and silage production—all inspired by the women’s own aspirations.

When we began working with these women’s groups, our first step was to listen. Their voices and insights guided the design of project activities. One shared desire stood out: diversifiyng their vegetable gardens, using silage with their husbands to boost dairy productivity, and to grow strawberries. Their enthusiasm for these activities—crops with both high market value and cultural significance—steered our approach. By honoring their vision, we laid the foundation for a collaborative and sustainable initiative.

The rural communities around Lake Issyk-Kul largely depend on animal products, such as meat and dairy, as dietary staples. While these foods are important, the lack of variety can limit nutritional intake. To address this, we introduced training in diverse vegetable production, encouraging the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops like carrots, cabbages, tomatoes., and over 12 other vegetable varities. Alongside strawberries, these vegetables contribute to healthier diets and a more resilient food system.

In these villages, low incomes and limited economic opportunities are everyday realities. Women often shoulder significant responsibilities at home and in the fields, yet their work is undervalued. By introducing small-scale commercial strawberry farming, the project created a new income stream. The strawberries not only provide additional revenue but also inspire local pride and cultural connection—a blend of tradition and innovation.

Silage production added another dimension to the initiative. By improving livestock feed, families could enhance their animal husbandry practices, a vital part of the local economy. This integration of crop and livestock farming strengthens both household incomes and community resilience.

The results of the project have been remarkable:

1. Empowered Communities: Women’s groups in multiple villages have gained skills, confidence, and a renewed sense of agency.

2. Economic Growth: The introduction of strawberries and silage production has diversified income streams, boosting household earnings.

3. Improved Nutrition: Diverse gardens have enhanced dietary variety, benefitting families’ health and well-being.

4. Community Development: The project has inspired neighboring villagers, with many expressing interest in joining future initiatives.

This work also highlighted the region’s strong cultural heritage, with the women’s groups weaving traditional practices into new agricultural methods. The combination of honoring the past and embracing innovation has fostered a vibrant, resilient rural community.

The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of listening, collaboration, and women-centered development. As we look to the future, the enthusiasm from these villages is clear: more communities are eager to participate, to grow their own diverse gardens, and to join the movement for sustainable change. Supporting women farmers isn’t just about improving livelihoods; it’s about cultivating hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come. 

Thank you for supporting this journey. With you help, we are supporting women around the world: from Kyrgsystan and beyond. 

This year, our partnership with Preserve International in Uganda has made a profound impact on women farmers by addressing the challenges of post-harvest loss, food security, and poverty. I’m excited to tell you more about it today! 

Post-harvest loss is a major issue in Uganda, where farmers often lose a significant portion of their harvests due to spoilage, threatening both their livelihoods and food security. Through innovative preservation methods, we’ve been able to extend the shelf life of crops, reduce food waste, and help farmers increase their income.

We began by focusing on the core needs of the women farmers: access to land, seeds, and farming inputs like organic fertilizers and equipment. Many of these women face immense obstacles due to lack of resources and education, making it hard for them to achieve consistent yields or maintain a stable income. By providing them with the necessary tools, we empower them to cultivate their land and produce reliable, quality crops that serve as the foundation for using preservation technology effectively.

Beyond land and inputs, our program has also provided hands-on training and continuous support. Working with five women's groups this year, we focused on modern farming techniques, crop management, and the use of preservation technology. These sessions are designed to improve the quality of their produce and help them manage their land sustainably and efficiently. The ongoing support ensures they can navigate the challenges of farming and adapt to changes in climate, markets, and technology.

Preservation technologies have become a game-changer for these farmers. The sparky dryer, developed by a Ugandan entrepreneur, runs off organic waste to preserve fruits and vegetables, and has transformed how women manage their harvests. Instead of watching a large portion of their crops rot, they’re now able to store and sell their produce when market prices are better. This increases their income and ensures a steady supply of food for their families and communities.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this project is the hope it sparks in the lives of the women we work with. Grace*, a member of one of the women's groups, had been struggling for years to feed her family. Her hard work seemed wasted as much of her harvest spoiled before she could sell it. The constant loss kept her trapped in poverty. But with access to land, seeds, and preservation technology, Grace's situation changed. Now, she’s not only harvesting better crops but storing and selling them at prices that allow her to plan for the future. For the first time in years, she dreams of sending her children to school and building a secure life.

Our work with Preserve International has brought vital resources to women farmers in Uganda, helping them break free from poverty and food insecurity. By providing tools, education, and technology to preserve their crops and boost their income, these women are building brighter futures for themselves and their families. The changes are visible in their daily lives, and their resilience and determination show just how powerful these opportunities can be.

It is thanks to supporters like you that this work is possible, and we are so joyous that you are on this journey with us.