b'profit of approximately $200, a notable achievement in a region where the annual household income was estimated to be less than $750 in 2019.As a woman you also need your own empowerment and capacity to be productive, said Patricia Ayaro, the manager of Dokolo Young Oilseed Farmers Cooperative, who has seen how engaging in agriculture has helped Robina and other young people in the area take an active role in their development. As well as their use in edible oil production, Robina has since acquired, plantedsoybeans are a high quality source of protein and harvested soybean seeds twocomparable to meat, poultry and eggs.more times. She is able to sell each harvest to the cooperative for a fair market price, and the cooperative thenWith the continued support of the supplies the countrys oilseed market.cooperative and collaboration with my The cooperative also picks up her cropfellow cooperative members, directly from her farm, saving her the cost of transport, and provides her withI know that my future is bright.access to crop insurance, agricultural ROBINA AKELLOsupplies and other services.With her improved economic status, Robina has been able to better provide for herself and her young son, who was born with significant physical health issues, as well as be of support to her family. Shes purchased three goats and plans on purchasing oxen to assist in the plowing of the land. She is supporting her father in the completion of a family home made from modern materials and, as a result of learning to spend wisely and save intentionally through Heifers financial training, has also begun a small business selling vegetables to supplement her income. Robina speaks with calm confidence and hope about her additional plans to take training in tailoring, buy a sewing machine and build a tailoring business.With the continued support of the cooperative and collaboration with my fellow cooperative members, I know that my future is bright, she said. n Tossing the soybeans further cleans the produce, separating the beans from any remaining crop residue.HEIFER.ORG |23'