Climate Resilient Home Gardening Project Launched in Kadatkaraichchenai, Muthur District

In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, many vulnerable families in the Trincomalee District faced renewed hardship. Flooding damaged crops, disrupted food security and placed additional strain on already low-income households. In response, Vanni Hope, in partnership with Empower Projects, has launched a Post-Disaster Climate-Resilient Home Gardening initiative for the Kadatkaraichchenai Puthumaippannai Women Society in the Muthur Division.

This project introduces climate-resilient bag culture cultivation, an agricultural method designed to reduce crop losses during floods by elevating vegetable plants above ground level. By shifting from traditional ground cultivation to poly bag-based systems, families can continue growing vegetables even in waterlogged conditions. The project supports 25 women-led households and will run for one year.

Partnership with Empower Projects

This initiative is organised and funded by Empower Projects Australia, with Vanni Hope implementing and monitoring the program locally. We were pleased to welcome Dr Shanil Samarakoon, Co-Founder of Empower Projects, during the project visit.

Dr Shanil is an expert in permaculture and climate-smart agriculture. His field of expertise focuses on building sustainable food systems that are resilient to climate change. Working alongside him and his team strengthens our capacity to deliver practical, long-term solutions that support vulnerable communities recovering from natural disasters.

Field Visit and Community Engagement

The project site at Kadatkaraichchenai Puthumaippannai Women Society warmly welcomed the visiting team. Those present included Mr Ranjan Sivagnanasundaram, our Founding Chairman, Dr Shanil Samarakoon, the co-founder of Empower projects and his mother, Mr Menaka from Hutton Tea Plantation, Mr Seelan our Operations Manager, and Ms Shalini, one of our Field Officers in the Eastern Province.

During the visit, the team attended the society meeting, reviewed the women’s microloan system, and examined the revolving loan mechanism and repayment records. Field observations confirmed that the women’s society is active and well organised. Members are maintaining strong repayment discipline and showing commitment to expanding livelihood activities. The society also arranged lunch for the visiting group, demonstrating strong community cooperation.

Climate Smart Project Design

Each participating household will establish 105 poly bags arranged in a compact and flood-safe layout. Crops include chilli, eggplant and curry chilli, selected for their suitability in bag culture cultivation and local market demand. The project combines technical training, organic fertiliser inputs, pest management guidance and ongoing monitoring support.

Projected yields and income generation estimates indicate that the initiative will strengthen both household food security and financial stability. Most importantly, the elevated cultivation system reduces the risk of total crop loss during heavy rainfall and flooding events.

Strengthening Women-Led Livelihoods After Cyclone Ditwah

The Kadatkaraichchenai Puthumaippannai Women Society has demonstrated strong leadership and active participation. By combining microfinance discipline with climate-resilient agriculture, this initiative strengthens both economic and environmental resilience.

Post-cyclone recovery requires more than short-term relief. It requires sustainable solutions that adapt to climate realities. Through our partnership with Empower Projects and the technical leadership of Dr Shanil Samarakoon, this project provides a long-term pathway for recovery and resilience in the Trincomalee District.

We remain committed to building climate-resilient communities and empowering women-led households across Sri Lanka.

Thank you to the supporters of Empower Projects’ Fundraiser for making this project happen!

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