From vulnerability to resilience: a harvest of hope

Chairman Saffty with his drought resistant community crop. IMAGE: Jacklyn Yala/CARE in PNG

By Jacklyn Yala, Communications Coordinator, CARE in PNG

Hege Village in Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands Province faces year-round drought, leaving its people vulnerable to food insecurity. For too long, the people of Hege faced a grim reality: recurrent droughts meant hunger, dependency, and a constant struggle for survival. But under the steadfast leadership of Chairman Saffty Yaso, and with the vital support of CARE's AHP Disaster READY program, Hege has transformed. No longer are they passive victims of climate shocks; they are now a community actively cultivating their own resilience.

Saffty, a visionary leader who returned to his village to make a difference, understood the urgent need for change. He mobilized his community to form the Hege Community Development Corporation (CDC), creating the essential local structure that connected them to CARE's transformative initiatives.

 CARE’s support provided not only resources but also lasting knowledge. Through comprehensive training in climate-smart agriculture, food preservation, and efficient food storage, Hege learned to overcome its historical vulnerabilities. Saffty championed these programs, encouraging his community to embrace new, drought-resilient crops like cassava and rice. The impact was immediate: "When CARE came in, they taught us drought-resilient techniques," Saffty recounts. "Families began to have food security during the dry season, with surplus available for sale." This fundamental shift from reliance on rain-fed gardens to diversified, resilient farming is a direct testament to the power of community-based adaptation.

A critical turning point was the acquisition of a farming tractor, facilitated by CARE's engagement with the Ungai Bena District Development Authority (UB DDA). This single piece of equipment revolutionized their agricultural potential, allowing for large-scale rice cultivation. Saffty, leading by example, now proudly anticipates a significant harvest from his own extensive rice farm. "I will not purchase rice for some years because now I have my own grown rice," he says, a powerful statement of newfound independence. This investment in local capacity building, supported by external partnerships, is key to sustained disaster readiness.

"When CARE came in, they taught us drought-resilient techniques. Families began to have food security during the dry season, with surplus available for sale." Saffty said IMAGE: Jacklyn Yala/CARE in PNG

Beyond food security, the AHP Disaster READY program empowered Hege with critical life skills. Disaster Risk Management (DRM) training became an "eye-opener," equipping the community with the knowledge to actively prepare for and manage recurring droughts. Simultaneously, the introduction of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) instilled a transformative culture of saving.

"Before VSLA, we did not understand the culture of 'SAVINGS'," Saffty explains. " CARE’s introduction of VSLA helped us understand the true value of saving.” He has witnessed firsthand the profound change in community members, particularly women, who now wisely manage their incomes and save for the future. This financial literacy and empowerment are crucial elements of holistic disaster preparedness, enabling families to withstand economic shocks.

Saffty's vision, echoed by his community's motto – "there's always a way" – now rings true. He recalls a past where hunger during droughts was inevitable for most. "However, through CARE's program, every family will now have food available during the drought season, and no one will go hungry. No one is left behind."

Hege Village stands as a testament to how community-led initiatives and strong partnerships can build enduring resilience. With continued collaboration, the future is no longer defined by drought, but by strength, self-reliance, and sustainable harvests.