For nearly five decades, Catarina has dedicated her life to growing tomatoes. She began farming alongside her husband when she was just 25 years old, relying solely on their own resources to sustain their family. Today, at 73, Catarina continues to work the land with the same determination that has defined her life.
After the passing of her husband, Catarina faced one of the most difficult chapters of her journey. However, Friendship Bridge supported her with technical training to keep her family’s farm thriving.
A Friendship Bridge Junior Agriculture Technician visits with Catarina in her field.
Access to capital provided her with the opportunity to continue investing in her tomato production and generating income for her family, but the impact went far beyond financing: through Friendship Bridge’s Women’s Agriculture Credit & Training program, which gives clients access to new markets through technical training and credit options, Catarina gained valuable knowledge to identify and manage pests and crop diseases more effectively. She also learned sustainable farming techniques, including crop rotation practices that help prevent and mitigate plant diseases. For many years, tomatoes were her only crop; armed with new knowledge and technical support, Catarina began diversifying her production, improving yields and expanding opportunities to sell her products in different markets.
“Thanks to Friendship Bridge’s loans and agricultural program, I have improved the way I manage my crops, learned new techniques, and achieved better harvests.”— Catarina, Friendship Bridge client
Catarina’s story is a powerful example of lifelong perseverance and learning. She encourages other women to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, proving that with determination, dedication, and the right support, it is possible to overcome challenges and build a more prosperous future.
It’s never too late to keep growing.
Your support gave Catarina the credit and training to protect her harvest, diversify her crops, and reach new markets after nearly fifty years of farming. With your gift, you can help more women farmers strengthen their livelihoods and build a more prosperous future for their families.
