From Water Scarcity to Prosperity: A Woman Farmer’s Climate-Smart Success in SP

At just 35 years of age, Ms. H.A. Nadeeka Chathurani, a devoted mother of two children aged 15 and 7, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and determination in Bogahawewa village, under the Weerawila Agrarian Service Centre Division in Hambantota. Like many smallholder farmers in the dry zone, her journey in agriculture was marked by hardship—particularly the persistent lack of water, which threatened both her livelihood and her family’s future.

Woman Farmer Chathurani

Cultivating one acre of land, Chathurani struggled for years to sustain her chili cultivation. Despite repeated efforts and tireless labour, inadequate water supply severely limited her production. Every two weeks, she could harvest only about 300 kg of chilies, an amount barely sufficient to cover household expenses, let alone invest in her children’s education or improve living conditions. For a woman balancing farming with the responsibilities of motherhood, the odds were stacked against her.

A turning point came when Ms. K.A.A. Nuwanthi, the Agriculture Facilitator (AF) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), visited Chathurani’s farmland during a routine field inspection. Observing the conditions on-site, Nuwanthi quickly identified the root cause of Chathurani’s low productivity—the urgent need for a reliable and efficient irrigation solution. Recognising the potential of the land and the farmer’s commitment, she promptly referred the matter to the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP in the Southern and Uva Provinces. 

The response was swift. Soon after, a sprinkler irrigation system was provided to Chathurani, enabling her to manage water more efficiently and cultivate her land sustainably. But the support did not end there. Understanding that technology alone is not enough, Nuwanthi coordinated with Mr. H.J.A. Malaka, Agriculture Instructor, to ensure continuous technical guidance. Under his supervision, Chathurani actively participated in Farmer Business School (FBS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) training programmes. These covered a wide range of practical skills, including organic fertilizer production, fruit plant pruning, bund cultivation, and improved vegetable cultivation and management practices. Armed with new knowledge, confidence, and the right equipment, she was ready to begin again—this time with renewed hope.

AF Nuwanthi with Chathurani

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Chathurani’s chilli production doubled, with harvests increasing from 300 kgs to 600 kgs every two weeks within the same cultivation cycle. Her income rose accordingly, bringing much-needed financial stability to her household. Today, she can comfortably invest in her children’s education, ensuring they have opportunities she once feared she could not provide. Looking ahead, she is even planning to build a new house, a dream that once seemed far beyond reach.

Chathurani’s story is a powerful reminder of how targeted interventions, timely technical support, and climate-smart solutions can transform lives. It also highlights the strength of women farmers who, when given the right support, rise above challenges to secure a better future for their families. Above all, her journey stands as a testament to the impact of the CSIAP—where courage meets opportunity, and determination turns struggle into success.