Amina’s 0.25-acre plot barely produced 150 kg of maize annually, just enough to feed her family of six. Her garden was limited to a few staple crops with little variety, leaving her children vulnerable to frequent malnutrition. The local clinic reported that nearly 35% of children in her village suffered undernutrition.
"There were days when I didn’t know if my children would have enough to eat. Watching them get sick from lack of good food broke my heart. I felt powerless."
Without access to quality seeds or knowledge of sustainable farming, Amina’s yields were low and unreliable. The drought last season reduced her harvest by almost 40%, pushing her family closer to food insecurity.
"The drought wiped out much of what little we had. I worried constantly how would I feed my children tomorrow?"
After enrolling in HERVeg.05’s program, Amina received a bundle of five nutrient-dense vegetable seeds kale, beetroot, Chinese cabbage, amaranth, and spinach perfect for her small garden. She was also given five vaccinated SASO chicks to start poultry farming.
Through hands-on training, Amina learned improved crop management and natural pest control techniques. Within six months, her vegetable garden yielded 120 kg of fresh produce, increasing her family’s vitamin intake by 60%. The chickens laid about 90 eggs monthly, adding a steady source of protein and income.
"The training opened my eyes. I learned how to care for my plants and chickens better. For the first time, I saw hope growing from my own hands."
Today, Amina’s farm output has increased by 45%, providing her family with enough nutritious food daily and surplus to sell at the local market. She earns an additional 75,000 Tanzanian shillings (~$32) monthly, which helps pay for school fees and healthcare.
