The unpredictable climate of Ethiopia’s Amhara region had made it difficult for Mohamed Meki to grow enough quality crops to make a decent income. His fortunes changed when he joined Farm Africa’s Market Systems project and ditched his green peppers for hybrid onions.

"I remember, the first time I heard about the variety. I was preparing my plot of land to grow maize as I was not happy with the green peppers.

An agricultural expert working with the Organisation for the Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA) walked by my farm. After asking what I was going to grow next, he suggested a new hybrid onion variety.

At first, I was sceptical and refused, but he took the time to tell me about the benefits of growing this onion: its high productivity within a short duration, how it survives despite disease, shortages of water and humidity. He reassured that I would be provided with the support and expertise to access markets to sell this crop.

Convinced, I planted the seedlings I got from the organisation. I received regular visits from experts and the project team."

Farm Africa’s Market Systems project in partnership with ORDA, aims to transform small-scale farming, by giving farmers training and access to the resources they need to increase their incomes and build resilience against volatile weather events.

"In less than three months, I was able to produce six quintals of onion and sold it for a total of 10,750birr [£230]. With the usual onion variety, I would have only been able to harvest three quintals on same piece of land with the same treatment.

Currently, I am taking professional advice and have continued to grow hybrid onions by myself. It has been two years since I started growing this variety and I will not be stopping.”

This project is funded by SIDA.