Mundemu, Tanzania

1,073 children in Mundemu ADP are supported by Irish sponsors since 2002.

Just like here in Ireland, farming plays a big part in Tanzania. However while we enjoy a temperate climate here, farmers like Yakobo Malajo from Mundemu struggle with increasingly erratic weather. The climate around Mundemu is semi arid and although the area should get two rainy seasons a year, the rains have been sporadic over the past number of seasons making farming increasingly difficult.

To add to this, Yakobo used to farm his 4 acres of land using a hand hoe. This took a lot of time and the yield was small. Mundemu ADP realised that this was the same situation for many farmers in the area and offered training on improved farming techniques. On completion of the course each farmer received drought-tolerant seeds and an ox-plough to put the newly learned practices into use. “Since the training, my farm has grown to 13 acres. Not only that, my yield has increased from 40kgs per acre to 320kgs!” Yakobo told us at a recent meeting.

Building on his success, Yakobo has started to make extra money for his family by learning how to prepare drought-tolerant seeds and selling them to his fellow farmers. He is attending agriculture shows to share his knowledge and learn more about efficient crop production and market accessibility. His hard work now allows him to support his family, especially his two grandchildren who receive all their school needs from Yakobo.

So much happened in 2011 - for example... 

• 260 community members were trained on how to wipe out a killer in their midst through eradicating mosquito breeding sites. 
• Over 1,800 health workers and community members were trained on appropriate nutrition practices for children and pregnant mothers.
• 350 chickens bought from the gift catalogue were provided to vulnerable households providing them with a steady food and income source.
• 72 farmers received training on improved crop production techniques improving their harvests this year.
• Over 40 women received microloans to start businesses such as basket weaving.

2012 Challenge

In Tanzania 44% of children under the age of five suffer from growth stunting likely to have resulted from poor nutrition. In 2012 we will address this issue by working with community health workers on improving parents’ knowledge on nutrition and working with farmers to grow nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables.

Read more about life in Tanzania and how Kilimo Kwanza (Agriculture First) is having a big impact on farming groups.