Enhance Food Security for 300 Returned Migrants

ODOV staff continued regular field visits to provide coaching and mentoring to project participants. These visits served a dual purpose: to monitor new agricultural techniques and to deliver crucial supplementary lessons. Staff addressed the challenges farmers faced in vegetable growing and chicken raising, providing targeted guidance on climate-resilient practices.

The agricultural training included:

• Seasonal planting, crop rotation, and intercropping.
• Using shade crops, such as bananas and papayas, to protect poultry during the dry season.
• Livestock management, with a focus on regular vaccinations, proper chick care, and the use of dedicated cages. Farmers also learned to use additional natural vaccines during the cold season to ensure their chicks stayed healthy. 

An equally important aspect of the field visits was the integration of social and behavioral lessons. ODOV staff led discussions on gender equality, women's rights, and the characteristics of a peaceful family. Previously, a lack of shared household chores and unequal resource management often led to domestic violence and family conflict. Through these sessions, farmers gained a better understanding of mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and equitable resource management, which has led to significant positive changes in family dynamics.

Monitoring and feedback from participants confirm that the project's lessons are having a profound impact on their families. The project has successfully helped participants achieve food security while creating a new source of income. On average, each household now earns an additional $268 to support their family. 

Production Summary

• Vegetable Production: From a total of 30,400 kg produced, farmers sold 24,060 kg, generating $12,030 in income.
• Chicken Production: From a total of 1,015 kg produced, farmers sold 340 kg, generating $1,360 in income.

 Beyond the economic gains, the project's focus on social lessons has led to significant improvements in gender roles, respect, and household resource management. These changes have created new opportunities for women to participate in the community, resulting in more equality and a reduction in domestic violence. Ultimately, these efforts have fostered more harmonious family lives. This newfound stability is also linked to a decrease in rural migration, as families are now able to build sustainable livelihoods at home through farming.