Nigeria : From the Bank to the Field
We Need Stories
When asked why he believed stories were so important , best-selling author Philip Pullman responded , “ Because they entertain and they teach ; they help us both enjoy life and endure it . After nourishment , shelter and companionship , stories are the thing we need most in the world .”
When faced with the state of the world – the hunger , the poverty , the famines , the wars – the stories we tell give us hope and encouragement , the will to continue working for good in the world . According to recent surveys by the Gapminder Foundation , globally , more than 9 out of 10 people do not believe the world is getting better .
That is why , in 2016 , IFDC has been telling stories , not about ourselves but of the farmers who , empowered by knowledge and technology , are changing their families , villages , nations , and the world . Theirs are the stories that show us our world is indeed getting better . Indeed , stories are the thing we need most in the world .
The following stories demonstrate not only that IFDC ’ s development approach works , but that sometimes even small changes effect big impact .
Nigeria : From the Bank to the Field
When economist Pam Dung left his banking job of three years , he didn ’ t look back .
“ I decided to quit my job at the bank and go into farming , and I ’ m enjoying it ,” Dung said . “ My dream is to become a renowned farmer .”
Dung , a partner with IFDC ’ s 2SCALE project , has been learning the ins and outs of treating agriculture as more than simply a way of life . From applying good agricultural practices to properly preparing his produce for market , Dung ’ s approach to the farm has completely changed . His farm is now a business , not just a source of seasonal produce .
“[ Before ] we knew the market for vegetables was there , but we lacked the knowledge on how to access the markets .” Now , the project has linked him to a market , to which he can sell yields six times greater than before coming in contact with the project .
Recently , his farmer organization acquired a grant of $ 400,000 to establish a tomato seed farm , from which local farmers can acquire improved seeds that will produce high-quality fruit that buyers desire .
Read his full story at : http :// bit . ly / PamDung .
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