Ma Phyo and her husband working together in their field

“Last year, farming was particularly difficult. The family had no capital for quality seeds or fertilizers and had to borrow money, even pawning household belongings,” sadly shared a mother of three, Ma Phyo.

Ma Phyo's husband was born with a disability that left him unable to use both legs. Two of their children—the eldest son, aged eight, and their four-year-old daughter—also inherited a bone-related illness.

With no farmland of their own, they cultivated three acres of land belonging to her in-laws, renting it at a cost.

Because her husband could not work in the fields, Ma Phyo had to take the lead in farming, even though she had no prior experience. Income was always scarce. To make ends meet, she worked as a day laborer whenever possible, while her husband repaired radios, fans, and small household appliances.

Last year, farming was especially hard. The family had no capital for quality seeds or fertilizers and had to borrow money, even pawning household belongings. They relied on neighbors’ advice instead of formal agricultural training, could not afford hired labor for weeding, and eventually harvested a lower yield. Much of their income went directly to repaying debts.

This year, however, things began to change. Through a emergency agricultural livelihood programme implemented by FAO, her family was selected as one of the most vulnerable households to receive assistance. They were provided with improved sesame seeds, chemical and natural fertilizers, tarpaulin sheets, storage bags, and livelihood assistance for harvest expenses. In addition, Ma Phyo attended training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), learning techniques to improve productivity and use natural alternatives to costly pesticides.

For Ma Phyo's family, this support meant more than farming inputs. It meant freedom from high-interest loans and relief from the constant pressure of debt. The money they would otherwise spend on seeds and fertilizers could instead go toward food, healthcare, and education.

Now, with the upcoming harvest, Ma Phyo is optimistic. She believes her family will be able to live with better stability, support her husband’s and children’s healthcare needs, and continue her son’s education without interruption.

Her story reflects the true meaning of a better life—one built not only on improved harvests, but also on restored hope, dignity, and resilience made possible through timely agricultural livelihood assistance.