LocationsSupporting Value Chain for Children’s Education
January 16, 2024
Musa and his family proud of their peas harvest
Musa Al-Ta'ma is 39 years old from Al-Masrab a small village in rural Deir EzZour. His life took a challenging turn during the war, compelling him and his family to seek refuge in a safer area, leaving behind their home and small plot of land. "In this life, I have nothing but my children and this small piece of land," said Musa. Struggling for sustenance, he found himself selling vegetables on a cart by the side of the road to feed his children, enduring the harsh realities of displacement.
Returning to a looted home and dry land, Musa faced the heart-wrenching reality of not being able to afford the costs of sending his children to school. The war had taken away not only their home but also their dreams.
Musa and his family of nine harvested approximately two tons of peas this year as a result of the UNDP Value Chain Support Programme, financed through the Funding Window. Musa is one of 54 farmers who obtained supplies for growing peas as part of the value chain project and received advanced training on effective methods for handling crop residue. The project covers a total cultivated area of 162 acres, producing an average of 2 tons per farmer.
Through the incoming crop, Musa was able to buy two heads of sheep, which are now bearing newborns. He uses the crop residues to feed these sheep.
Musa's family harvesting peas
“My son Ibrahim was out of school for several years. Now, because of the project, I can afford to send him back to continue his education,” said Musa. Ibrahim felt more self-conscious about returning to school due to his advanced age than the rest of the children. To catch up with his classmates, Musa resorted to private tutoring in an effort to ensure Ibrahim’s academic achievement.
The transformative power of sustainable agriculture goes beyond the financial gains, this initiative has reinstated hope in Musa's family, making education a tangible reality for his children. Illustrating that, indeed, small seeds sown with care can yield a harvest of prosperity.
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