Timothy stands next to a traditional seed store in Moti Village, Torit County. ©FAO/Daniel Chaplin

In the heart of Moti Village, located in Torit County, Eastern Equatoria State, lives Timothy Ofuko Rendento, a 65-year-old farmer whose life is deeply rooted in the soil. Here, the main crops grown are millet, cassava, sorghum, fruits, and vegetables. For Timothy, his fields of sorghum, maize, and cowpeas represent not just food but a source of resilience.

Life in Moti Village comes with its challenges. Basic services and assets are limited, and access to something as simple as a seed store is a struggle. “The nearest seed store is over 1 km from the village,” Timothy sighs, his voice tinged with both frustration and resolve. Yet, Timothy has found strength in community through his involvement in the Kondokoro Farmers Group, a lifeline for small-scale farmers like him. “We gather in the gardens to work in groups, helping each other with gardening activities such as tilling, planting, and weeding,” he shares. Owning six feddans of land (approximately 25 200m²), Timothy relies on the group’s collective effort to cultivate all of it—a task that would be a challenge on his own.

This local farmer’s group is Timothy’s social safety net, a cornerstone of resilience. Group participation fosters collaboration, decision-making, and learning, allowing members to adopt better and climate-smart farming practices. “It is much better to learn new practices in a group,” Timothy notes, underscoring the power of shared knowledge.

Understanding the importance of such networks, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods Project funded by the World Bank, is supporting farmers to form organizations and cooperatives and link them to markets, for instance, seed fairs. These groups enable farmers to reap the benefits of collective action, including improved access to inputs, extension services, modern technologies, and crucial information to adapt to climate variability.

Timothy’s life has been significantly impacted by this support. With training in good agricultural practices provided by the Association of Volunteers in International Service (AVSI), an FAO implementing partner, Timothy has enhanced his farming techniques. “I have a better understanding of good agricultural practices related to seed production, like planting in rows to control spacing, crop rotation and crop intercropping” he explains. This newfound knowledge has translated into better yields.

Through his membership in the farmers' group, Timothy has gained essential training and tools in post-harvest management, giving him and his fellow farmers the ability to safeguard their valuable harvests. “I use hermetic bags and also a traditional store for seeds storage and conservation,” he says with pride. FAO’s provision of tarpaulins has further bolstered his efforts, enabling him to produce and sell high-quality sorghum seeds directly to buyers who visit his village. Each jug, weighing around 2.5kg, fetches SSP 2,500 (approximately USD 1.1)—a valuable income that Timothy uses to support his children’s education and healthcare needs. “Four of my sons have graduated,” he proudly declares, a testament to his hard work and determination.

FAO and AVSI’s support has not only transformed Timothy’s farming practices but also his outlook on life. “I see my future as bright; my harvest is improving year after year,” he beams. Last season, Timothy sold an impressive 600kg of sorghum, a significant milestone.

Timothy’s story is a powerful reminder of how resilience in agriculture goes beyond simply growing crops—it’s about cultivating hope, community, and a brighter future. As he looks to the future, Timothy represents the spirit of resilience, proving that when farmers are empowered, they can sow the seeds of lasting change for better production and nutrition, in an environment conducive to a better life.