Juma’s 1-acre maize farm yielded only 500 kg last season, a 50% drop from previous years due to drought. His family of seven struggled with food insecurity, often skipping meals during the dry season. Debt from failed crops reached 200,000 Tanzanian shillings (~$85).

Erratic weather patterns made traditional farming risky. Juma lacked knowledge of climate-smart practices to adapt and improve resilience.

After joining HERVeg.05’s training, Juma diversified his farm with drought-tolerant vegetables from the ‘Her Vegetable’ bundle, including amaranth and cowpeas, plus integrated water harvesting methods.

Within one year, Juma’s vegetable production reached 300 kg, supplementing his reduced maize yields. The diversified farm provided 60% more stable food supply year-round. Juma also sold surplus produce and earned an extra 150,000 Tanzanian shillings (~$64) per season, allowing him to pay down 75% of his debts.

Juma’s farm is now a model of climate resilience. His family enjoys more consistent meals, and his income stabilized at 350,000 Tanzanian shillings (~$150) annually from diversified crops. Juma is sharing his experience with 20 local farmers to encourage climate-smart practices.