From Fields of Struggle to Fields of Strength: Inoka Kumari’s Journey with CRIWMP

From Struggle to Strength: Inoka’s Journey with CRIWMP For years, R.A. Inoka Kumari carried the weight of uncertainty. With no stable source of income, providing for her family was an uphill battle. “We struggled a lot just to survive,” her eyes cast downward and her breath heavy.

When the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) began its work in her village, Inoka was among the women who stepped forward. Recognizing that empowering women was vital to building resilient communities, the project gave her the tools, knowledge, and confidence to transform her family’s livelihood. She was introduced to climate-smart agriculture, receiving plants such as chili, coconut, kochchi, and sweet orange to cultivate. With continuous guidance from the project, Inoka cultivated these crops successfully. “Today, we are doing this very well and earning an income that helps our family stand on its own,” she says proudly.

But her story didn’t stop there. Inoka also worked on her paddy cultivation, which had long been a challenge due to water scarcity and traditional methods. With the project’s technical advice, she was able to reorganize her land efficiently. “I had 13 small plots in my paddy field. With the support and advice given by this project, I reduced it to 3 well-managed fields. Now our harvest is successful, and our income has increased.”

Inoka’s journey is more than a story of personal resilience. It reflects the heart of CRIWMP’s approach placing women at the center of climate action. Across Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone, thousands of women like her have been trained in climate-smart agriculture, supported in establishing home gardens, and encouraged to take leadership roles.

For many, this is the first time their voices have shaped decisions about land, water, and livelihoods. Through women like Inoka, the project is proving that empowering women is not just about providing opportunities it is about unlocking resilience for entire communities.