A gift opened the door. Now her story can be heard.

Because of supporters like you, a woman farmer can now access the training, livestock and resources she needs to grow her farm, strengthen her income, and write the next chapter of her family’s story.

Over the next year, you’ll learn about the journey a gift to Heifer sets in motion. You’ll meet a remarkable woman named Fikere Filate and hear her story in her own words.

Which Kind of Female Farmer Ally Are You?

2026 marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer — a global recognition of the women who grow food, build businesses and strengthen their communities every day. Take the quiz below to discover your Female Farmer Ally type.

 

Hari Kaia Khadka, Durga Paudel, Rupa Khatri, Jasi Oli, and Gahani Khadka (members of the Sagarmatha Co-op) walk together in the sunset at the Banke Goat Collection Center in Banke, Nepal.

International Year of the Woman Farmer

Although women are half the population, women and girls are more deeply affected by hunger and poverty.

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Your Support, Her Journey

  1. A farmer joins a Heifer project and learns how to better care for her animals and land.
  2. She receives a gift — and she’s so excited to put it to use!
  3. She joins a cooperative of other farmers — mostly women — where she shares her voice.
  4. She grows her farm … and income! She earns extra income selling products like milk or eggs.
  5. She diversifies her farm and starts a business.
  6. She passes on her gifts — and knowledge — to others.
  7. SHE THRIVES

Where in the World is Your Gift?

Your gift is on its way to Ethiopia!

Right now, a family in Ethiopia is preparing for your generous gift! Before a family receives your gift — whether it’s a flock of chicks, a goat, garden seeds, a family solar kit or anything in between — they participate in extensive training. Ultimately, we want the family to succeed — and we want to be good stewards of your gift.

Why Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is a country with deep agricultural roots, and farming remains a primary way of life. Nearly 78% of the population lives in rural areas, where women shoulder much of the agricultural work while earning little income. Drought, soil erosion, and limited water access strain livelihoods.

Supporting agriculture-based businesses — like poultry — helps families build income, improve nutrition, and strengthen long-term stability.

A Gift With Heifer Includes

  • Livestock and seeds suited to the local environment
  • Hands-on training in sustainable farming practices, gender equality and more
  • Veterinary supplies and materials to build shelters for their animals
  • Support from Heifer’s agricultural experts
  • Connections to other farmers through a local cooperative

Meet Fikere Filate

Meet Fikere Filate, a devoted mother and farmer whose determination has carried her through extraordinary hardship.

When drought, illness and limited opportunity threatened her family’s future, Fikere refused to give up. Fikere received chickens through the Enhancing Livelihoods of Smallholders through Improved Poultry Business project in Ethiopia.

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