Sustainable Farming: A Path Out of Sabah's Rural Poverty
One of our rural farmer and her children at their farm, filled with self-grown vegetables.
One of our beneficiaries proudly holding his freshly harvested vegetables, proof of his hard work and dedication.
A glimpse of one of our rural farmers standing proudly in the middle of her farm, surrounded by the vibrant vegetables she grew with her own hands.
A variety of freshly harvested vegetables by our rural farmers.
A farm full of blooming, healthy vegetables, ready for harvest.
Hardworking farmers who excel in vegetable farming are further empowered with fruit-bearing seeds to diversify their farms and food sources, just like this farmer with her winter melon.
Healthy vegetables growing under protective farm nets.
New farmers with their farming materials, ready to kickstart their journey.
Our project assistant, Efandi, also checks on each farmer’s progress from time to time to troubleshoot and ensure their farming stays on track.
When farmers grow more than they need, they can sell their extra harvest to earn extra income and better support their families.
Addressing Sabah Rural Poverty and Family Survivability with Farming Solutions
Unlocking the Potential of Mountain Water Supply for Long Term Self-Sufficiency
Access to mountain water is the key to empowering rural families in Sabah. By providing a stable water source, we enable communities to develop farming skills, grow their own food, and break free from the cycle of poverty. For generations, many rural families in Sabah have relied on daily-wage work, such as rubber tapping and fruit selling, to survive. However, unpredictable weather and rising costs keep them trapped in poverty.
A rural villager harvesting latex from a rubber tree
Poverty is a multifaceted issue that stems from a lack of resources, knowledge, and opportunities. To tackle this, we provide families with the tools, skills, and strategies to sustainably grow their own food, reduce living costs, and generate income through local markets.
The Harsh Reality for Rural Sabah Families
Did you know the average household income for a rural family in Sabah is only RM 1,000 or less? With five or more family members, this income barely covers basic needs such as food, transportation, education, and medical care.
Rising living costs further exacerbate these struggles, making it nearly impossible for families to improve their circumstances. Unfortunately, these hidden hardships are often overlooked, leaving rural families without support or a path toward a better future.
Our Solution: Building Skills for Sustainable Farming
With access to a reliable mountain water supply, we help rural communities take the next step: learning to grow their own food. Our programme focuses on empowering families with the knowledge, skills, and resources to cultivate crops, reduce living costs, and sell their surplus produce for additional income.
Here’s how we make it happen:
Farming Workshops: We conduct hands-on workshops to teach families essential farming techniques, from soil preparation to crop harvesting.
Hopes Malaysia team teaching new rural farmers the essential skills to grow their own crops.
Efandi engaging with the new farming "students" to ensure they grasp the lessons taught.
New rural farmers learning proper techniques to grow their seedlings for optimal results.
Rural farmers practicing hands-on techniques to set up seedling trays.
Rural farmers with their successfully prepared seedling trays.
Farmers with their newly received seeds, ready to plant.
Educating farmers on properly setting up farm nets to protect their crops.
Efandi teaching farmers to set up farm nets to protect against pests.
A rural farmer with her farming materials, ready to set up raised beds and start farming.
Rural farmers sharing and distributing farming materials together.
Rural farmers collecting their farming materials after workshop.
A happy rural farmer with her newly received farming materials.
Group picture with new rural farmers from Kampung Gendukut.
A group photo of rural farmers from Kampung Tinata and Gensurai with farming materials.
Farmers receiving fish fry to expand their farms for better protein intake.
Ongoing Support: Our team provides on-the-ground guidance and monitors progress until families can independently manage their farms.
Efandi checking in with a rural farming beneficiary to discuss her farming progress.
Efandi checking the condition of one of the farmer's crops.
Efandi checking if the rural farming beneficiary's farm is properly set up.
Income Opportunities: Families are encouraged to expand their farms and sell surplus crops at local markets, creating sustainable income streams.
A rural farmer cleaning her freshly harvested vegetables, ready to sell at the market.
Rural farmer selling her freshly harvested crops at a nearby market.
Villagers can also sell crops at Gerai Tamu Kita, a platform to build entrepreneurship skills
By selling their goods and earning extra income, they can achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Rural farmer selling her freshly grown crops at the market for extra income.
With the extra income, families can save more and sustainably break free from the poverty cycle.
Unlike temporary aid or handouts, our programme equips families with the tools they need to succeed long-term.
Why Sustainable Farming is the Answer
Sustainable farming is a proven strategy to help rural families achieve independence and long-term stability.
A rural farmer surrounded by her farm, filled with self-grown vegetables.
Rural farmer at her farm, with raised beds covered by farm nets to protect her crops from pests.
One of the rural farmer's child with freshly harvested crops from their own farm.
One of Hopes Malaysia's rural farming beneficiaries freshly harvested vegetables, ready to cook!
Rural farmers farm filled with their naturally grown vegetables.
Dishes prepared by a rural farmer with her self-grown vegetables.
It provides:
Food Security: Families grow their own nutritious food, cutting down on grocery costs and reliance on external resources.
Cost Savings: By reducing monthly living expenses, families can allocate more funds toward education and healthcare.
Income Growth: With proper guidance, families can scale their farming efforts, diversify crops, and sell surplus produce to boost household income.
This proogramme empowers families to work for their future while reducing dependency on external aid.
How Corporate Volunteers Contribute
Corporate volunteers can take part in hands-on farming activities alongside rural families, contributing directly to the development and maintenance of community farms.
Volunteer carefully planting seedlings into the raised beds
Volunteers helping farmer to prepare raised beds for farming
Volunteers holding freshly harvested vegetables from the rural farmers’ farm
Volunteers carefully covering the soil around the seedlings to help protect their stem
Volunteers helping to harvest vegetables
Volunteers working together to set up the structure for farm nets
This includes preparing raised beds, planting seedlings, setting up farm net structures, and harvesting vegetables together with the farmers. Through these shared experiences, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of sustainable farming practices and the challenges faced by rural communities.
More than just supporting farm activities, these interactions foster meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and collaborative community engagement.
The Impact: A Future Free from Poverty
Sustainable farming is about more than just growing food—it’s about creating a brighter future. With this initiative, rural families can:
Ensure consistent access to food for their households.
Afford better education and healthcare for their children.
Achieve financial stability and improve their quality of life.
Rural farmer surrounded by her farm, filled with self-grown crops.
Poverty is a deeply rooted issue, but by empowering communities to grow their own food and generate income, we’re creating lasting change. Families are slowly but steadily overcoming poverty through their hard work, proving that sustainability begins with self-reliance.
As the saying goes: “Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Update 27
With rising fuel prices, even a simple trip to the market is becoming more expensive for many families.
Recent global tensions have disrupted oil supply, driving up fuel costs and affecting daily expenses, especially for rural communities who already travel long distances to access basic necessities.
In areas where distances are far and transport options are limited, these costs add up quickly. Particularly when it comes to buying everyday essentials like vegetables.
But when families are empowered to grow their own food, things begin to change. They no longer need to rely as much on frequent trips to the market. Less travel means lower fuel expenses and fewer worries when prices rise.
More importantly, it provides something even more valuable:
Food security.
Fresh vegetables right at home.
Lower daily living costs.
And the confidence of knowing they can provide for their families, regardless of external challenges. Because growing your own food isn’t just about saving money, it’s about building a more sustainable and resilient way of living 💚
Update 26
Have you ever cooked vegetables that may look overgrown, yet still turn out soft and tender after cooking? 🥬
That’s what Wannie from Kampung Melangkap Piso proudly shared when we visited her farm after she joined our Sustainable Farming Project.
Besides her usual crops, she’s also plants different vegetables — like these chilies here!
Not forgetting her egg plants! She’s grown a whole plot because her family can’t get enough of it!
She has always had a passion for farming, but with the knowledge and techniques gained from our workshops, her harvests have improved both in quality and variety, including crops like chillies and eggplants.
Today, her vegetables are 100% pesticide-free, grown using the methods she learned from our farming workshop, making them a healthier option for her and her family.
Even those that grow larger than usual remain soft and enjoyable when cooked. A true reflection of natural, chemical-free farming.
Beyond feeding her own household, Wannie also sells her extra harvest at the local tamu market every Saturday, earning around RM100 each time.
What makes her journey even more meaningful is that she now teaches her nephews and nieces how to farm naturally, passing down valuable knowledge and skills to the next generation💚
Update 25
After attending our farming workshop and receiving the tools they need… what happens next?
That’s where Efandi comes in!
As our project site assistant, he regularly checks in with the farmers — seeing how they’re applying what they’ve learned, helping them troubleshoot challenges, and guiding them along the way.
Becauselearning something new is one thing, but putting it into practice is where it really matters.
With Efandi’s support, farmers are able to turn knowledge into action. Growing not just crops, but also confidence, skills, and a more sustainable future for their families! 💪
Update 24
So what happens after farmers harvest enough vegetables for their families?
For some of them, the extra vegetables can be sold to earn a little additional income.
Just like Puan Konsimin, who now brings her freshly harvested vegetables to sell at the nearby Tamu market every week.
She grows a variety of vegetables on her farm and brings them straight to the market. Over time, her vegetables have become quite popular with customers. Some of them even pre-book her vegetables before she brings them to the Tamu.
“I’m really happy we learned how to farm without using pesticides. My customers like it a lot, and it has helped my sales too.” said Puan Konsimin.
For families like hers, farming is not just about putting food on the table anymore — it can also become a small but meaningful source of income for the household.
Update 23
Did you know that when vegetables reach about 2 weeks old, farmers will start a process called “angkat kaki”? Just like the video below.
“Angkat kaki”, or what we call “hilling up”, is the process of gently pulling soil up around the base of the plant’s stem🌱
This small step is actually very important during crop growth. By adding soil around the stem, it helps support the plant as it grows taller, protects the roots, and encourages stronger and healthier development.
It might look simple, but practices like this are part of the farming skills that villagers learn and apply as they care for their crops.
Sometimes, it’s these small steps that make a big difference in helping vegetables grow well and produce a good harvest later on!
Update 22
Check out the incredible before and after transformation of Puan Seukim’s farm!
Back in August 2025, she was just getting started, applying the skills she learned from our farming workshop and carefully nurturing her crops using natural and sustainable methods. Fast forward now, her farm is now bursting with fresh greenery!
What was once a newly prepared space has transformed into a thriving farm filled with healthy vegetables — a beautiful result of patience, dedication, and the right guidance.
It’s amazing what can happen when families are empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and support to grow their own food in a sustainable way.
Moments like this remind us why this work matters so much. Seeing rural families transform their land, strengthen their livelihoods, and grow with confidence is something that brings us incredible joy!
Update 21
Have you ever wondered why our farmers’ raised beds are covered with green farm nets? 👀
There’s actually a very important reason behind it 🌱
These nets help protect the vegetables from common pests like the image below, or snails and other small creatures that can quickly damage crops. Without this protection, farmers could lose much of their harvest after weeks of hard work caring for their plants.
By using these nets, farmers are able to reduce the need for harmful pesticides, allowing them to grow fresh, healthy vegetables in a safer and more sustainable way.
It may look like a simple setup, but this small solution plays a big role in helping rural farmers protect their crops and harvest the vegetables they have worked so hard to grow.
Update 20
Look at the handful of vegetables Puan Rajina is holding! 😍
It wasn’t always like this, reaching this harvest took hard work, patience, and dedication. If you checked out most of our previous farming posts, you’ve probably seen how we support farmers with materials, workshops, and guidance. But the real transformation comes from their own effort and perseverance.
Puan Rajina put in a lot of effort and practiced the skills herself, and it shows in this beautiful harvest — a success born from the combined effort of her determination and the support she received💚
Update 19
Ever wonder what hope really looks like?
For us, it looks like Annie. A mother who doesn’t give up, even when life gets tough.
Annie doesn’t talk much about the hard days. Instead, she talks about her farm — about how the soil has taught her patience, and how each seed she plants is a small promise to herself and her children.
When you see her smile, you can feel it, that kind of strength that doesn’t shout. It’s quiet. It’s steady. Like the sound of leaves moving in the wind as she tends to her crops.
For Annie, every handful of vegetables she harvests means more than food. It means she’s moving forward — one season, one meal, one small victory at a time.
Through our Sustainable Farming Project, Annie has learned new ways to work with the land — finding her own balance between tradition and change, between hard work and hope.
Update 18
It has been a vege-full journey for our hardworking rural farmers in Kampung Tegudon!
Since starting just a few months ago, these dedicated Sabahans have managed to improve their families’ fresh food supply — harvesting up to three full cycles of diverse, leafy vegetables from their farms. Imagine having fresh greens growing right outside your home! 🏠
Such progress doesn’t happen overnight. Each day, these farmers tend to their raised beds with persistence and hope — and their effort shows in the healthy crops they grow.
This marks an encouraging step toward a future where every meal is no longer a worry, but a guarantee for these rural Kota Belud families.
Real change begins with action, and their commitment continues to grow strong with every harvest.
Update 17
This may not be the perfect HD photo you’d see online — it’s a little blurry, snapped quickly, and sent through WhatsApp.
But what truly matters isn’t the photo — it’s the story behind it!
Meet Puan Solinah, whose hands have nurtured every leaf and stem you see. Her raised beds are now overflowing with fresh, healthy vegetables, all grown by her own effort and determination.
And that smile? You can almost feel her pride and joy through the screen.
For Puan Solinah, this isn’t just another harvest. It’s a personal milestone — a celebration of self-reliance, growth, and the power of hard work taking root!
Update 16
Have you ever heard the saying: “活到老，学到老” (One is never too old to learn)?
We saw this come to life when two elderly women joined our recent farming workshop.
Though it was their children and even grandchildren who signed up, they still walked to the venue and sat side by side with younger farmers — eager to learn and grow.
It was truly moving to witness. Moments like these are a powerful reminder: no matter our age, the drive to contribute, adapt, and keep moving forward never fades 💪
Update 15
Meet Puan Soulin from Kampung Tinata!
Not long ago, farming for her was simply a way to put food on the table for her family. But today, her story has grown into something much more.
With the right tools and support, her harvests now flourish — enough not only to feed her loved ones but also to sell to local schools. This extra income helps her build a stronger, more stable future for her family 👨👩👦👦
Puan Soulin’s journey is living proof of what happens when rural families are empowered to grow — not just food, but opportunities, independence, and hope for the generations to come!
Update 14
A new chapter begins for 20 rural families in Kampung Tegudon, Kota Belud!👨🌾
These motivated Sabahan families have been empowered with the essentials to achieve greater sustainable food security. Earlier this year, the community came together to distribute vital farming items among themselves.
With quality materials such as vermicompost, protective farm netting, and UV film, the farmers can now improve their livelihoods while tackling serious soil depletion issues!
With the rising cost of everyday food, having a reliable, self-grown source of fresh produce just outside their homes has never been more important.
This is only the beginning for them. Keep following this space for more updates on the progress of these determined rural farmers! 💪
Update 13
See How John’s Life Took a 180° Turn with Farming!
Before joining our sustainable farming program, John was facing one challenge after another. Without the skills or knowledge to grow crops, farming felt impossible—and providing for his family was a daily struggle.
But everything changed when he stepped into the program.
Before you scroll down, take a moment to watch the video below. Hear directly from John about how his life took a turn for the better⬇️
And this is just the beginning. With renewed hope and confidence, John now dreams of expanding his farm—securing food for his family and building a stable income for the future.
Update 12
Up in the quiet hills of Kampung Kiau, farming families once found themselves stuck. They wanted to provide better for their kids—but didn’t know where to start.
Fast forward to today, and things look very different.
With the right support, guidance, and a whole lot of hard work, they’ve turned small hopes into thriving veggie farms!
Now, they’re not just growing food for their families—they’re building something sustainable. Something that can last.
From not knowing how to plant a single seed to now having steady harvests, new farming skills, and dreams to grow even more crops in the future!
This isn’t just about farming—it’s about believing in something better, and working together to make it real.
Because when you give rural families the tools they need, they don’t just survive—they thrive💪
Update 11
What happens when you grow your own food? 🌱
For Taradai, it’s more than just fresh veggies—it’s a whole new way of living. By farming her own crops, she’s not only improving her health with chemical-free, homegrown food, but also building a stronger future for her family 👨👩👧👦
Growing her own food means she no longer has to worry about harmful chemicals that might be in store-bought veggies, which could harm her family's health. Taradai can now cook meals that are fresh, natural, and safe for her family.
No longer relying on expensive store-bought veggies, Taradai can spend her hard-earned money on what really matters. And with more financial security, she can support her family with less stress, knowing her food needs are taken care of!
Update 10
Meet some of the incredible farmers of Kampung Sayap! 🌟
Since starting their sustainable farming journeys in June 2024, these determined rural Sabah families have transformed their once barren land in Kota Belud into thriving hubs of fresh, homegrown food. Today, they are not just farmers—they’re expert crop growers and champions of food security!
Each family now harvests an average of 30 kg of diverse, nutritious vegetables every month. This milestone not only ensures sustainable food security but also empowers them to sell surplus produce within their local communities. Many families earn over RM150 each month, helping to cover living expenses while reducing their reliance on external food sources.
This journey is a testament to practical empowerment driving lasting change. Through consistent effort and unwavering commitment, these families have completed over 8 successful harvest cycles—and they’re just getting started! Their dedication to building better, sustainable livelihoods is paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future. 🌟💪
Here’s to many more bountiful harvests and inspiring transformations ahead! 🤩✨
Update 9
Led by our project assistant, Efandi, 30 eager farmers from Kampung Melangkap Piso received hands-on guidance through every step during our farming workshop — from planting to harvesting.
They learned practical techniques to enhance their farming skills and grow their own food sustainably!
This is just the beginning — we can’t wait to see them thrive, not only on their farms but in their lives too, as they work towards greater food security and brighter futures for their families.
Update 8
In our program, we highly encourage villagers to work in small groups, like this inspiring farmers from Kampung Sayap.
We’ve found that when they work together, they stay motivated because they see their friends making progress too. It helps create a sense of shared effort and joy, especially when they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor together.
From what we've observed, group efforts often lead to more consistent results. If challenges arise, they can brainstorm solutions and solve problems together. For us, it's not just about the harvest—it's about enjoying the process, which keeps everyone motivated, united, and moving forward as one.
Update 7
“Never did I imagine that one day, I’d have a farm surrounded by all my self-grown crops!”
These are the words of Juene, reflecting on her journey after joining our farming program. Back in February 2024, she took her first step toward a new chapter by joining our workshop.
At that time, she was eager but unsure of how to grow her own food.
Now, Juene’s farm is filled with fresh leafy greens and fruit vegetables, which means lower expenses on groceries and better food security for her family.
Juene and her self grown petola
Juene with her raised beds not long after harvesting, ready for the next growing cycle
Best of all, whenever she needs veggies, she can just step outside and pick them right from her farm!
We’re committed to helping more families like Juene achieve food security and break free from hunger and financial insecurity.
Update 6
For years now, we’ve been using construction netting to protect farmers’ raised beds from pests.
It might not look fancy, but this netting is weather-resistant, super durable for outdoor use, and completely eliminates the need for pesticides. Just a simple physical barrier that’s strong enough to keep out pests like grasshoppers and even ants!
Every month, we load up sacks of this netting and transport them all the way from town into the villages to distribute to our farming beneficiaries. It’s a simple yet effective solution for our sustainable farming work!
Update 5
Ever wondered what it looks like behind the scenes of our farming projects?
Here’s a quick peek into our work on how we transform unused land into something truly impactful.
From growing fresh vegetables to raising freshwater fish, everything is planned with care to bring long-term benefits to rural communities in Sabah. With smart land planning and efficient use of local resources, we create a self-sustaining ecosystem—free from pesticide pollution, and designed to work in harmony with nature.
It’s all about turning potential into progress, one plot at a time.
Update 4
This is what our usual “hands-on session” looks like—villagers rolling up their sleeves, measuring and cutting materials, all before everything gets distributed.
But honestly, it’s more than just getting the job done.
It's a moment where everyone comes together, lending a hand, sharing laughs, and turning a simple task into something meaningful. You'll see teamwork in action and feel that strong sense of community in the air.
Because these sessions aren’t just about farming—they’re about connection, collaboration, and creating something that everyone can be proud of. And that’s what makes this program truly special!
Update 3
A rural farmer enthusiastically asks questions during the Q&A session at the farming workshop.
Our farming workshops feel like an adult classroom, and we truly cherish the open dialogues we have with the villagers during these sessions. The Q&A moments are the highlights—they spark curiosity and help us refine our project systems. For many rural villagers who haven’t stepped into a classroom for years, their eagerness to ask questions and absorb knowledge is truly inspiring. While knowledge is free to share, in this program, it becomes the most valuable asset they can gain.
That’s why we invest so much effort into preparation before the program even begins. From conducting family evaluations to gathering essential information, organizing workshops, and coordinating material deliveries with suppliers, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for making everything come together seamlessly.
Each step we take is aimed at ensuring that our workshops are not just informative but also empowering, equipping the villagers with the skills they need to thrive. We believe that by laying this foundation, we’re helping to cultivate not just crops, but a brighter future for the entire community.
Update 2
You might be wondering how do the rural families learn to run a farm? Through our farming workshops!
Efandi is teaching new farmers the necessary skills and knowledge to start growing their own crops.
Those eager to learn sign up, and Efandi, along with his wife, brings along presentation slides to explain every approach and step in detail. They even demonstrate how to use the farming tools effectively, ensuring everyone understands and no one is left behind.
Efandi is teaching the farmers how to properly set up farm nets to prevent their crops from pest attacks.
Sharing knowledge and experience is a key part of this journey before they start start working on the farmland. Efandi has become an amazing teacher for many villagers, passing on his skills and helping them grow their own abilities. It’s all about building confidence and know-how — this is what we call this empowerment!
Every session is filled with enthusiasm and hope as we work together to create a brighter future for the rural communities in Kota Belud. With each lesson learned, we’re not just teaching farming; we’re nurturing dreams and fostering independence among the villagers!
Update 1
Back in 2018, the guy in the green cap—Efandi—was one of our first beneficiaries in Kampung Bokilong’s water project. Fast forward to today, and he’s become an essential part of our team, working full-time on-site to support all aspects of our work. In this photo, you’ll find him in Kampung Sayap, carefully assessing the farmers' progress.
Moments like these highlight the ongoing nature of our work. Like farming, which requires patience and time for growth, our efforts demand consistent attention, monitoring, and data collection.
Efandi plays a key role in keeping us on track, helping to cultivate progress and turn our vision into a lasting impact.
