From Homemaker to Home Gardener: Narlin Raga’s Journey Towards Family Nutrition and Income

Narlin Raga (30), a mother of two, lives with her husband Petrus and their children, Mei and Dimas, in Jono Oge village. The family are survivors of the 2018 earthquake that struck their community. For years, Narlin relied solely on her husband’s income of IDR 2,000,000 per month from his job at a livestock feed store. However, she found this income insufficient to cover their daily needs, children’s education, and nutritional requirements—especially in a semi-urban village where most food must be purchased from markets.

Concerned about her family’s wellbeing, Narlin searched for ways to contribute to the household. In 2023, ADRA Indonesia introduced a Horticulture Field School in Jono Oge, which Narlin joined the following year. Together with other participants, she learned practical skills in vegetable cultivation, from soil preparation and organic fertilization to plant care.

Although she did not own farmland, Narlin refused to let that stop her. She transformed her house yard into a productive garden by planting vegetables such as water spinach, mustard greens, chilies, tomatoes, and long beans using polybags. The harvests have been mainly used for family consumption, helping improve their nutrition and reduce expenses.

Encouraged by this success, Narlin expanded her efforts. She planted 80 eggplant trees in her yard, which are now in their harvest season. While some of the eggplants are used at home, she has also begun selling the surplus. To date, Narlin has earned IDR 500,000 from her eggplant sales—a meaningful contribution to the family’s income.

“I am grateful to have become a housewife who can manage our home garden to provide nutritious food for my family while reducing expenses. It’s like bringing the market closer to the kitchen. Not only do we consume the harvest, but I can also sell the produce and generate income. Thank you, ADRA,” Narlin said with a smile.

Narlin’s story shows how knowledge, determination, and creativity can turn even a small home yard into a source of resilience, nourishment, and hope for families recovering from hardship.