Ahmad is a facilitator of a Farmer Field School (FFS) run by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Syrian Arab Republic’s rural Hama Governorate. He has been living with a physical disability due to polio since childhood. Gaining recognition for his expertise and gratitude from the people he supports, his self-esteem and fortitude have only grown stronger over the years.

At first “the farmers were surprised and shocked. It was not easy for me to ignore the way they looked at me as a person living with a disability,” says Ahmad. However, his years of experience and specialized know-how quickly shifted the mindsets of the community. 

Over twenty-five years ago, Ahmad completed his technical education at the Veterinary Technical Institute and furthered his studies with a two-year training course on bovine artificial insemination techniques, becoming a certified technician.

Now as an FFS facilitator, he works with 25 cattle keepers, exchanging knowledge and suggesting techniques to improve livestock production. His regular visits to farms help to make sure that these are being implemented correctly.

“Having Ahmad as a facilitator was a true motivation for me. His determination and great enthusiasm inspired us to listen to the beneficial information he shared. He is a great communicator and consistent in providing trustworthy practices for improved livestock production and productivity,” says Jumana Saleh Al-Ali, a 38-year-old FFS participant and mother of five.

The full article can be read on the FAO website.

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Picture copyright: © FAO/Bayan Ksiebi