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In the heart of Tuva Village, Central Sulawesi, a young farmer named Abdul Muzakir, or Zakir as he’s fondly called, is rewriting the narrative of rural youth through resilience, hard work, and the right knowledge. At just 25 years old, Zakir has not only improved his agricultural productivity—but also achieved what once seemed out of reach: returning to school.
As the second of three siblings, Zakir grew up in a family with limited economic resources. After graduating from high school, financial constraints forced him to give up his dream of going to university. Instead, he took over his family’s corn farming business. Guided only by his father’s experience and local traditions, Zakir struggled to achieve satisfying results from his efforts. At one point, he harvested just 800 kg of corn from 6 kg of seeds—a yield far below expectations.
“I’ve been farming corn for years, but the results were always disappointing. I knew I had to learn more if I wanted to improve,” Zakir shared.
That opportunity came in late 2023, when ADRA Indonesia launched the REAF II program in Tuva Village. One of its key initiatives was the Corn Farmer Field School, which focused on equipping local farmers with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Eager to improve his outcomes, Zakir registered as a participant and completed all seven sessions.
Through the program, he learned essential techniques like:
- Using certified hybrid seeds (F1) instead of lower-quality generational seeds (F2),
- Implementing proper spacing methods such as the legowo 2:1:2 pattern,
- Practicing timely and efficient fertilization using the tugal method, and
- Adjusting farming decisions based on weather conditions and soil needs.
Applying this knowledge to his own field, Zakir experienced a remarkable turnaround. By the end of 2024, he harvested 2.5 tons of corn from 9 kg of seeds—a personal record and a source of renewed hope.
“Even though my harvest still falls short of the national standard, I’m already grateful. Alhamdulillah, I’ve been able to save more toward my college fund. I plan to keep applying what I’ve learned to further improve my yields.”
Thanks to his improved income, Zakir is now a student once again. In 2025, he officially enrolled in Universitas Terbuka (Open University) to study agriculture—turning his experience in the field into a foundation for long-term growth and professional development.
Zakir also benefited from the marketing training provided through REAF II, where he learned how to:
- Create a simple financial record system,
- Set priorities before making purchases, and
- Manage his income for future investments.
“The marketing training helped me understand how to track my spending and prioritize what matters. It’s been a huge support in helping me prepare for university.”
Now back in the classroom, Zakir hopes to one day become a model of success for other young farmers in his community.
“Thank you, ADRA. The training changed my perspective—not only on farming, but on what’s possible for my life. I hope one day I can become a successful farmer and share this knowledge with others.”
Zakir’s story is more than just a farming success. It’s a story of determination, learning, and dreams rekindled—proof that with the right support, even a small seed can grow into something life-changing.
