The midday sun was relentless as I guided Amina through the rows of crops at Neso Farms. Her head was bowed, her fingers nervously trailing along the edges of the maize leaves. “What if I fail here too?” she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the rustle of the plants. Her words struck me deeply. I had seen this fear before—in myself, in others, and even in the soil that sometimes seemed too parched to yield. 

Amina had joined us after her family lost their farm to the harsh realities of climate change. Disheartened but determined, she came to Neso Farms hoping to start anew. As she shared her story, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own early days. There was a time when I, too, doubted my abilities. My first season at Neso Farms had been brutal—half the crops failed, and I was on the brink of giving up. It wasn’t the training or the tools that kept me going; it was a note left on my desk by a colleague: “You’re stronger than this. The land is waiting for your belief.” 

That simple act of kindness became my anchor, reminding me that farming wasn’t just about techniques or tools. It was about resilience, community, and belief—belief in the land, belief in each other, and belief in ourselves. 

Determined to help Amina see her potential, I showed her our hydroponics project, a system designed to thrive despite the unpredictable weather. As we worked, I shared my own failures and the lessons they had taught me. We talked about more than farming—about life, about persistence, and about the courage it takes to plant a seed when you’re not sure it will grow. 

Over time, Amina’s confidence began to blossom. She celebrated her first perfectly ripened tomato as though it were a trophy. The joy on her face was infectious, and it reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place. Farming at Neso Farms isn’t just about producing food; it’s about nurturing people. 

Today, Amina mentors new members, spreading the same kindness that once lifted her. She often says, “The soil isn’t the only thing we need to cultivate; we need to cultivate each other.” 

At Neso Farms, we believe that kindness is the fertilizer of resilience. It nourishes not just the land but the human spirit, proving that even in the hardest times, there’s always something worth growing.