Just recently, we were humbled to be a part of the inaugural Gamuda Inspiration Award, receiving a prestigious award under the Education & Community Empowerment area of the Gamuda Impact Fund. This significant milestone underscores our ongoing efforts to sustainably empower rural communities in Kota Belud, Sabah. The award further recognizes and supports our lasting sustainable agricultural practices to help break the cycle of poverty for families in these underserved areas.
This award isn't just about recognition—it’s about celebrating the lives we’ve impacted and the bright futures we’re building together with the communities we serve. It’s also a powerful reminder of why we started and why we continue to press forward despite the challenges.
Our Journey: Empowering Rural Communities in Sabah through Sustainable Farming
In 2020, as the world faced a surge in food insecurity and financial instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we set out with a clear mission: to empower rural communities in Sabah to achieve food security, build lasting household income, and gain long-term self-sufficiency through our sustainable farming initiative.
What began as a small initiative has now blossomed into a larger movement that has impacted over 2,500 villagers in Kota Belud.
The combination of high-rotation vegetable cultivation with long-term coffee farming creates a sustainable agricultural system that provides immediate food security through short-term crops and long-term economic stability through coffee farming. This approach ensures the sustainability of the project beyond its active phase, helping families thrive for years to come through our Yayasan Gamuda collaboration.
SDG Goal Targeted In Our Sustainable Farming Project Collaboration
This specific project, which focuses on training families to grow both vegetables and coffee plants, contributes to achieving several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
a) SDG 1 (No Poverty): Through enhanced income from farming and entrepreneurial training.
b) SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By ensuring that families have access to nutritious, home-grown food.
c) SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Empowering farmers with the skills to thrive economically.
d) SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encouraging environmentally responsible farming practices.
e) SDG 13 (Climate Action): Promoting eco-friendly land management and climate-resilient farming practices.
A Long-Term Impact on Rural Families
What makes this project truly unique is its long-term impact. While many programs focus on short-term relief, our initiative empowers rural families to become self-sufficient for years to come.
By equipping villagers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to grow crops suited to their environment, we’re ensuring that they can sustain their livelihoods long after the project ends.
We also foster leadership within these communities, with trained villagers mentoring others—creating a ripple effect that multiplies the impact for lasting benefits.
From workshops to ongoing one-on-one support, our team is dedicated to providing continuous assistance. This hands-on approach ensures the long-term success of our beneficiaries, building a future where self-sufficiency becomes the norm in rural Sabah.
Why This Recognition Matters
This award isn’t just a recognition of our work; it’s a celebration of the people we serve and their journey toward transformation. It validates our efforts, inspires us to keep going, and shines a spotlight on the importance of sustainable farming in rural development.
This award motivates us to reach more communities, refine our approach, and amplify our impact. But at its core, it’s about the families whose lives have been changed—the farmers who can now provide for their children, the mothers who no longer worry about their next meal, and the communities that are building brighter futures together.
What’s Next?
While we celebrate this achievement, we know this is only the beginning. The recognition we’ve received has opened new doors, and we are more determined than ever to bring sustainable livelihoods to even more families in need.
The ultimate goal is to replicate the success we've had and extend the impact to other communities in rural Sabah, building a network of financially independent farmers, food secure communities, and resilient to the challenges of climate change. Our long-term vision is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that thrives, contributing to both local economies and the environment for generations to come.
Join Us in Creating Lasting Change
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to be part of the journey. Whether through donations, spreading the word, or supporting our initiatives, your involvement will help us reach even more families in need. Together, we can continue making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many —our dedicated team, the villagers of Kota Belud, our partners, and everyone who believes in our mission. As we look toward the future, we thank you for your unwavering support over the years. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or simply followed our journey, your contribution has been a vital part of this success.
We’re excited to continue this work and make a lasting impact on the lives of rural families. Follow us on our Instagram and Facebook page as we share more of our sustainable community development initiatives!
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