More than 20 women farmers representing over 300 others expressed their appreciation for the Taro Seedling Project, highlighting its numerous benefits.
“This project has been a blessing,” said Melekeok resident Rengulbai. “Not only do I have an additional income source, but it also allows me to contribute to my community by sharing excess taro with elders, the sick, and those who can no longer farm.”
The project, one of three outputs of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Coordinating Response for the Poor and Vulnerable Groups program, aims to improve income and food security for small women farmers.
Participants lauded the training they received, particularly on upland taro farming, a new technique for many. They learned valuable skills like soil treatment, compost making, and dry-land farming techniques specific to taro cultivation.
“I’ve farmed taro all my life in the taro patch,” said Ngatpang resident Erin Rebluud. “Never did I imagine farming it in the garden. It’s much easier and I’ve learned so much.”
The project has also opened doors for younger women to participate in taro farming, which was previously inaccessible or viewed as laborious. The ease of dry-land farming has attracted many young women who were hesitant about traditional methods.
“Most of our members are younger women who weren’t interested in taro patch work,” said Aimeliik resident Doreen Ongelungel. “But after experiencing the ease of dry-land farming, they’re eager to continue working on their farms.”
Participants emphasized their gratitude for the training and the tangible benefits they are reaping, including increased income from selling taro corms and plants, self-sufficiency for customary obligations, and the ability to share taro with their families and vulnerable community members.
A 78-year-old Ngatpang resident, one of the oldest participants, expressed her joy at being able to continue farming despite her age. “I can’t manage the taro patch anymore, but this is perfect,” she said. “My farm is just a walk away and I grow enough to feed myself.”
Ninebeth Carandang, Principal Social Development Specialist at ADB, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress. “We’re pleased with the government’s implementation. They’re on track to achieve all the expected deliverables,” she said.
Carandang attributes the project’s success to the collaboration between government agencies. “Strong cooperation, willingness, involvement, and partnerships are key to this success,” she said. “ADB is the financier, but without government ownership, leadership, and the women’s commitment, the project wouldn’t be this successful.”
A mid-term assessment of the project focused on its sustainability. ADB representatives met with leaders of the 20 women’s groups involved in the Taro Seedling Project, listened to their testimonies, and gathered feedback and recommendations for future sustainability.