Earth Day Stories: Real Hopes from Farmers Around the World
We asked TechnoServe clients—small-scale farmers around the world—to reflect on their connection to the land and their hopes for the Earth and future generations. These are some of their responses.
In honor of Earth Day, we asked TechnoServe clients to share how their relationship with their land has changed since implementing regenerative farming practices and what they want the next generation to know about caring for the earth. Read part one of the series on Earth Day stories, and check back soon for part two.
Earth Day Stories
Yusuf Aba Bulgu, 35, Ethiopia
Since adopting regenerative farming practices, my relationship with the land has significantly changed. I no longer view it solely as a source of crops and income. Instead, I recognize it as a living ecosystem that needs care. I understand that biodiversity and soil health are crucial for better yields and resilience against pests and climate changes.
My focus has shifted from resource extraction to nurturing the land through composting, intercropping, and mulching, which enhance soil health and productivity. I have cultivated a deeper sense of responsibility, aiming to leave the land better for future generations and engaging with my community to share knowledge about these practices. Ultimately, my relationship with the land has become a partnership based on sustainability.
I want the next generation to understand that caring for the earth is a privilege and is vital for survival. They need to nurture the soil and protect biodiversity for a better life. They should view the land as a partner to be respected, not exploited. Embracing regenerative agriculture is crucial.
Anayensi Muñoz Sánchez, 43, Mexico
I learned to take care of the soil through ground cover. Before, we used herbicides, but with these new practices, we were taught to clear the weeds and leave them in place because they eventually turn into compost, providing the plant with organic fertilizer. I also learned through soil pits, which are trenches that allow me to see how much organic matter is in the soil. This helps me understand what my plants need so I can continue nourishing them by adding more ground cover, organic fertilizer, and compost, ensuring that the roots on the surface get the nutrients they need for healthier growth.
I tell my children that they must take care of the land, that this land is what offers us the opportunities to grow and have a heritage. That’s why we teach them to take care of the water, to take care of the plants, and to learn with us how to treat the land and the trees to ensure the land continues to bear fruit.
Dyaneshwar Prakash Pagar (left), 39, and Vaishali Dyaneshwar Pagar (right), India
The land has become less friable (easily crumbled) and more productive. The more I learned about regenerative agriculture practices, the more interested I became. Seeing the benefits, I even started growing new crops, and now I train other farmers, too.
I want to leave behind a better quality of land for the next generation. If we care for the earth today, it will give them the opportunity to earn more tomorrow. A healthy life for the coming generations begins with healthy soil, and we have to nurture it.
Guillermo Chavajay, 33, Guatemala
I am part of the Tz´ulu´juyu association located in Santa María, Visitación, in the department of Sololá. Tz´ulu´juyu is a group formed by farmers who produce avocados, especially, and other vegetables. As a group, we have sought sustainability and have promoted the use of microorganisms from the mountain, effective microorganisms, and organic fertilizers as part of environmental education. These are what we have applied to our plots.
We have seen a good development of our plants. The process is slow, but we know that it will have an impact in the future and also give us better food. There are very big challenges, such as plant diseases and pests, and nutrition, but we are learning as a group every day.
Stay tuned for more Earth Day stories.
