03 Feb From Hunger to Hope: Maydene’s Journey in Sustainable Agriculture and Gender Equity

Maydene, from the Philippines, is a passionate advocate for food security and sustainable agriculture. Her journey began in 2017 during a mission trip to an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, where she witnessed the devastating impacts of hunger and malnutrition. This transformative experience led her to pursue education in farming and agriculture, equipping her with the knowledge to support vulnerable communities.

In 2024, she was selected as a participant in the Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and supported by Wedu. Her work at WLA focuses on bridging the gender leadership gap in agriculture by nurturing women to take active roles in food production and sustainability efforts.

Read Maydene’s reflections below as she shares how the Women’s Leadership Academy enabled her to keep pursuing her mission of combating hunger by uplifting communities. 

Addressing Hunger Through Community-Driven Farming

In 2017, I joined a church mission trip to the Tigwahanon Tribe in Bukidnon, Philippines to serve as a volunteer teacher. This initiative focused on feeding programs and a vocational Bible school, organized every summer to offer both nourishment and spiritual guidance to the IP community. I was an out-of-school youth (OSY) at that time, and joining the mission trip marked a pivotal moment in my life. Seeing firsthand the daily challenges faced by the Tigwahanon people, particularly in education, food security, and livelihood, was truly eye-opening for me. 

Determined to make a difference, I decided to strengthen my involvement in agriculture. I understood that by supporting communities in growing their own food, I could help combat hunger and malnutrition. This journey began with a return to school, where I focused on farming techniques to help create long-lasting solutions to hunger.

To build my knowledge of agriculture in the Philippines, I pursued a bachelor’s in Technology and Livelihood Education and also participated in various learning opportunities provided outside of my university. Through trainings hosted by the Agricultural Training Institute, I gained extensive knowledge in leadership, crop production, food processing, and marketing.

Driving Change in Sustainable Agriculture

One of the most impactful solutions to hunger that I have been working on with IP communities is hydroponics using the Kratky method. This soilless farming technique is especially effective for remote communities like those of the IP, where access to arable land, water, and farming resources is limited. Unlike traditional farming, Kratky hydroponics enables them to grow vegetables with minimal inputs, ensuring a steady food supply throughout the year.

This method is particularly well-suited to the Philippine context, as it requires less water than conventional agriculture and can be set up in small spaces, making it ideal for Indigenous communities facing challenges with land access. By introducing hydroponics to these communities, they are able to grow their crops sustainably, reducing their dependence on external food sources.  We are able to provide a long-term solution to a systemic problem.

Over the years, I have committed myself to advancing sustainable agriculture, particularly within marginalised communities. Through training more than 1,030 individuals in farming techniques, establishing 10 micro-farms, and working with partners to improve food production and marketing strategies, I have seen the tangible impact of these efforts. My work has been recognised by organisations such as the Department of Agriculture and the Ayala Foundation. A key initiative, AgriTindahan ni Juana’t Juan, combines innovation with local economic growth, offering sustainable food sources and livelihood opportunities to many.

Through advocacy and hands-on engagement, I’ve helped young people and marginalised groups recognise agriculture as more than just a necessity—it is a path to a better future.

At present, my focus is on helping IP City Scholars under the care of solo parents, and out-of-school youth communities by supporting them in establishing their hydroponic micro-farms. This method provides year-round access to fresh food while creating sustainable livelihoods. 

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my work has been the shift in mindset I have witnessed within my community. Through advocacy and hands-on engagement, I’ve helped young people and marginalised groups recognise agriculture as more than just a necessity—it is a path to a better future. By integrating urban farming and community gardening, I’ve cultivated a culture of innovation where farming is viewed not as a burdensome task but as an empowering opportunity. This change in perspective has inspired people to take charge of their futures.

Building Leadership for Food Security and Gender Equity

In 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), supported by Wedu. This transformative programme provided a platform to explore the intersection of food security and gender equity. Through mentorship and collaboration with changemakers across Southeast Asia, I gained valuable insights into bridging the gender leadership gap in agriculture and ensuring that women have the tools to lead and thrive in this essential sector.

Reflecting further on my journey, I am filled with immense gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose as I deepen my understanding of women’s critical role in addressing food security challenges within their communities. 

The programme has reinforced my belief in the power of women-led initiatives in creating resilient agricultural practices that can address both local and global needs. It has also inspired me to continue advocating for youth and women in the agricultural sector, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized in building a sustainable and food-secure future for all.

My journey in agriculture has been transformative on a personal level. Having once been an out-of-school youth, I now draw on my collected experiences to mentor others facing similar challenges. I understand firsthand how agriculture can foster self-sufficiency and provide long-term opportunities for growth. 

My work in sustainable farming and community development has sharpened my skills, while the WLA allowed me to broaden my knowledge and drive positive change across our food systems, enabling me to collaborate with organisations on a broader scale. More than anything, these experiences have deepened my commitment to education, social responsibility, and sustainable development. For me, agriculture is not just about growing food—it’s about growing people, nurturing communities, and shaping brighter futures.