In the remote village of Data-Metan, Uma-Tolu suco, most families live at the foot of Mount Nuntetuk. Despite poor roads and limited electricity, ginger continues to sustain their livelihoods.
Through ADRA’s support, villagers joined the Sabiru Kmanek Cooperative, nearly 15 kilometers from their homes. While distance participation in daily processing is challenging, members remain highly committed to saving, reaching $37,383.92 in collective funds.
For the first time, the Nuntetuk community learned to process ginger into ginger candy (RALVI) and ginger powder (BALVI). Previously, families relied solely on selling fresh produce, but this new skill has given them confidence to create value-added products and reach broader markets. These events also allow farmers to showcase their innovations, gain new skills, and connect with local leaders and buyers, turning their harvest into products with real market potential.
To celebrate these achievements, ADRA and the cooperative organized a Field Day on 24 September 2025. Local leaders, Secretary State Cooperative (SECoop) representatives, buyers, Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA) groups, veterans, Local Market Facility (LMF), and cooperative members attended the event to observe the processing steps and learn about the products.
The Cooperative President expressed his pride, noting this was the first time their products were promoted beyond the village. He shared hopes of reaching local, national, and even international markets, and thanked ADRA for being “like a parent to the community.” He emphasized that while projects may one day conclude, the bond between ADRA and the Nuntetuk community will remain strong and lasting.
