This gift in action
Yasothorn Province, in north-east Thailand, is part of the legendary 'Weeping Plain'. Its particular climatic conditions have made it suitable for growing the world-famous fragrant jasmine rice.
However, the weather has been getting progressively drier as a result of rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns caused by a changing climate.
And with almost 90% of people living in Yasothorn Province being farmers, it’s beginning to hit communities hard, especially as most farms rely on predictable rainfall, and have no irrigation facilities.
The lack of rain has reduced crop yields, resulting in plummeting income for the area’s farmers and less to eat for their families. And it’s a trend that’s predicted to continue.
However, with the help of Oxfam, growers are adopting organic techniques and employing irrigation systems that don’t rely solely on rainfall. The results are more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly farming and, for Noograi Snagsri, less time spent working her paddy fields thanks to new irrigation techniques.
Oxfam has also promoted selected farmers as role models and catalysts for change, who share their knowledge and experience with other growers in Yasothorn, and are supported with appropriate water-management systems.