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ZULEKHA’S JOURNEY: FROM STRUGGLES TO LEADERSHIP IN CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGROFORESTRY

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BY KHELEF NASSOR, ZANZIBAR@@@

Zulekha Ali Mohammed, a 26-year-old woman from Hindi village in Kambini Shehia, Wete District, Pemba, has emerged as a beacon of hope for many women in her community. Born in Wingwi village, Micheweni District, she grew up in a rural setting where access to higher education was a challenge for many girls. After completing her secondary education at Wingwi Secondary School in 2013, she remained at home, assisting her parents in farming.

In 2015, Zulekha was forced into marriage, and over the years, she became a mother to five children—two boys and three girls. Like many rural women, she found herself in an extended family setup, struggling to meet household expenses. Determined to support her husband and ensure food security for her children, she joined him in farming. However, the journey was far from easy.

“We spent many hours working on our farm, but because we lacked modern agricultural skills and relied on traditional farming methods, our harvests were always low,” Zulekha explained.

The biggest challenge they faced was the unpredictability of rainfall. With no irrigation system in place and relying solely on seasonal rains, many times, they planted but harvested little to nothing. The crops they grew could not withstand the harsh effects of climate change, and this made life even more difficult for Zulekha and her family.

Everything changed in January 2024 when the village leader visited Zulekha’s home with exciting news about a new agricultural project—Zanzibar Women Leadership in Adaptation (ZanzADAPT). The ZanzADAPT project funded by Global Affairs Canada aimed to empower women with skills to improve their farming practices and adapt to climate change. The village leader encouraged Zulekha to attend a meeting organized by Community Forests Pemba (CFP) officers, where the project would be introduced.

Zulekha eagerly attended the meeting, keen to learn how the project could transform her farming experience. She listened attentively as CFP officers explained the project's objectives, implementation strategies, and benefits for women farmers. Inspired by the possibilities, she did not hesitate to join the project. Not only did she sign up, but she also took the initiative to mobilize other women in her village to participate.

Recognizing her enthusiasm and leadership potential, CFP officers appointed Zulekha as a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) in her village. This role required her to undergo training in gender-responsive agroforestry and leadership, equipping her with the necessary knowledge and skills to support other farmers. In July 2024, she was selected to join other ToTs for a study tour in Morogoro, Tanzania Mainland, where she was exposed to advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable farming practices.

“Actually, let me thank those who designed this project. I have become a lead farmer in the village. My confidence has increased, and I can now manage my farm while also supporting my fellow villagers,” Zulekha said proudly.

As a ToT, Zulekha now uses her farm as a Farmer Field School (FFS), where many villagers come to learn agroforestry techniques. She has five permanent students who visit her farm twice a week to gain hands-on experience in soil and water conservation, pest and disease management, and other sustainable farming practices. In addition to her regular students, more women and men frequently visit her farm, eager to learn the new techniques she is implementing.

Zulekha sharing her expertise in agroforestry with visiting farmers eager to learn sustainable farming techniques

One of the women benefiting from Zulekha’s training is Fatuma Haji, a mother of four who has struggled with low crop yields for years. “Zulekha has been a great inspiration to us. She is teaching us how to improve our farming practices so we don’t have to suffer from food shortages. I have learned so much from her farm, and I believe this project will change our lives,” Fatuma shared.

Another trainee, Mariam Juma, emphasized the impact of the knowledge they are gaining. “Before, we planted crops without understanding the soil and weather conditions. Now, Zulekha is teaching us better methods, and I can already see improvements in my small farm. I am hopeful for the future,” she said.

Zulekha sharing her expertise in agroforestry with visiting farmers eager to learn sustainable farming techniques

Despite not yet receiving any direct financial benefits from the project, Zulekha remains optimistic. She sees the potential for long-term transformation, not just for herself but for the entire community. “For me, I see this project differently from the start. I see great potential, and I see a better future,” she expressed.

As her farm continues to flourish, Zulekha remains committed to empowering other women to enter into agroforestry. She constantly emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation and sustainable farming, encouraging women to take charge of their own agricultural development.

Through her dedication and leadership, Zulekha has become a symbol of resilience and empowerment in her community. Her story reflects the broader impact of the ZanzADAPT project, proving that with the right knowledge and support, women can lead the way in climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture.

Rehema Alawi, an Agroforestry Officer from CFP, together with Zulekha on her agroforestry farm

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