Strength in Our Hands: How Rohingya Families are Solving the Food Crisis

Story and photos by RB Hafiz Rahman

Today, the Rohingya community faces a major challenge. Because of funding cuts, there is less food and less help from aid groups. However, people like Mohammed Yonus are proving that the Rohingya community has the power to lead. They are finding their own ways to earn money and fill the "gap" left by reduced rations.

Mohammed Yonus did not wait for someone to give him a job or increase his monthly rations. Instead, he used his traditional knowledge of the land to start his own vegetable farm. By selling what he grows, he covers his family’s daily needs. He is a leader because he shows that self-reliance is possible even in a refugee camp.

Just like Yonus uses farming, other people in the camp can use their own unique talents to survive and grow. Everyone has a skill that can help solve the food shortage:

Mini-Gardens: Farmers grow "kitchen gardens" in small spaces or use vertical pots to provide fresh, healthy food for their children.

Horticulture: Since land is limited, many are using vertical gardening. They grow plants in plastic bottles, bamboo pipes, or on their rooftops. This allows them to grow vegetables like tomatoes and chilies even in tiny spaces.

Fish Farming: Families also farm fish using small ponds or large tanks to raise species like Tilapia and shrimp. Selling fish is a great way to earn a higher income because fish are always in high demand at the camp markets.

Poultry: Raising chickens is a great way to stay independent. Chickens provide fresh eggs everyday and meat for the family. Because they are easy to sell, chickens act like "living banks" that provide cash whenever a family has an emergency.

When Rohingya start their own income activities, they gain three important things:

1. Dignity: It feels good to provide for your own children through your own hard work.

2. Independence: As aid is cut, families with their own income are less afraid because they have a backup plan.

3. Future Hope: By practicing these skills today, the community stays ready to rebuild their lives when they finally return home to their land.

The story of Mohammed Yonus is a message for everyone. It says: "We have the skills. We have the strength."

By looking for ways to generate income instead of only relying on aid agencies. The Rohingya community can protect itself and stay strong together.