Climate crisis threatens vulnerable communities in Indonesia, but hope is taking root

While COP29 discussions on the negative impacts of climate change are echoed around the world, in places like Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province, the realities are already starting to bite.

In the small village of Songgela, Andi is at the forefront of a local battle against climate change. The 55-year-old tends to his modest farm surrounded by hills that once supported rich maize crops. Today, the land tells a different story. For Andi, and others like him in Songgela, coping with the changing climate is an everyday struggle.

For generations, farming in Sonngela followed a predictable rhythm. Crops were sown and harvested with the seasons, providing food and livelihoods for families. But today, those rhythms have been shattered.

“3 years ago, we could still predict the weather. Now it’s impossible. The heat comes when we need rain and then suddenly it’s too cold,” Andi says.

This erratic weather has cut Andi’s maize yields by an overwhelming 70% last year. His 2 hectares of land once produced 15 tonnes of maize, yet now yield barely 3 tonnes. “The maize is a sensitive crop,” Andi explains. “This year, we had to replant twice because the first seeds failed. The costs went up, but we had no choice.”

For a community that relies on farming for survival, the stakes could not be higher. Songgela’s broken roads and the high cost of fertiliser only add to the challenges. Damaged and steep roads make it difficult for farmers like Andi to reach their fields, slowing down their work and increasing the time and effort needed to tend to their crops. The poor infrastructure also hinders their ability to transport harvested produce to the market, making it harder to sell their goods and earn a living. Yet, Andi continues to plant, harvest, and hope, knowing that his traditional ways may no longer be enough to sustain his family.

Introducing a new way of farming

The future began to seem a bit brighter for Andi in 2022, when his village took part in an Islamic Relief project, which aimed to support farmers to diversify their crops, reducing reliance on maize, which is becoming increasingly unsustainable due to climate change.

We provided seedlings for fruit trees, including guava, avocado and sapodilla, all of which are more resilient to changing weather patterns and so can provide better long-term financial returns for farmers.

Andi now grows fruit, along with other crops, which are more resilient to changing weather patterns

“We started with small things,” Andi recalls. “Islamic Relief introduced us to integrated farming practices – things like growing herbs and spices, and even oyster mushroom cultivation.

“My income has increased by 25-30% in just 1 year. In a few years, when the trees bear fruit, I believe the profits will be much higher. I won’t have to climb the mountain to plant maize anymore.”

Advocating for change

As the head of the Songgela Jaya Forest Farmer Group, Andi carries the weight of his community’s challenges on his shoulders. Many in the group are struggling with debt and reluctant to change the ways of farming they’ve depended on for so long.

Andi knows this too well, he has spent years advocating for tree planting and sustainable practices, with limited success. But he is determined to lead by example.

Every day, Andi tends to the trees he has planted, hoping that others will follow. “I feel responsible. I care for my trees carefully, to show the others what’s possible. But it’s not easy. Many are stuck in their routines, afraid to change.”

Andi remains hopeful. The introduction of integrated farming methods is starting to shift mindsets and his dream is to one day see the Songgela area become a model of climate resilience, with farmers planting trees not only for profit but also to restore the environment.

“There’s hope in every seedling,” he says. “The trees will grow, and they will change everything.”

Andi operates a biogas outlet. He processes cow dung from his farming group into biogas, which he then uses to power his home stove

‘The fight against climate change is just beginning

The story of Andi and his community underscores the urgent need for support in vulnerable regions like Songgela. Farmers living on the frontlines of climate change need more than promises from world leaders. They need action, funding, and sustainable projects, like those led by Islamic Relief.

“The support we’ve received from Islamic Relief has given us a way forward,” Andi says, “But we need more time, more assistance. Two years isn’t enough. The fight against climate change isn’t over, it’s just beginning.”

Andi’s words carry a message not only for the policymakers at COP29, but for the world. While the scale of the climate crisis can feel overwhelming, small actions—planting a tree, diversifying a crop, supporting a local farmer, can make a significant impact. Andi’s hope for his community is clear: that one day, the fields of Songgela will flourish again, and the farmers who care for them will thrive.

Join Islamic Relief in empowering farmers like Andi to adapt to climate change. Donate now.

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.