Ndala, Tanzania

1,414 children in Ndala ADP are supported by Irish sponsors since 2004.

“As a farmer, I depend on rainfall... given the change of weather these days though, the rain has been inadequate compared to the old days,” Said Kasukula tells us. Said is a farmer in Ndekeli village, Ndala. He depends on his farm for income and to put food on the table for his four children and his wife.

But, unlike many others, over the past two years, Said’s farm hasn’t been affected by the rain shortages. It all comes back to a workshop he attended where he learnt about irrigation farming and the potential of vegetable gardening. The event was run by the Nzega District Agriculture Department and funded by World Vision, through your sponsorship funds.

“I now grow vegetables like onions on the farm. Things have really improved. I can now afford to pay the school fees for all my children and put nutritious food on the table for my family!”
At the same workshop Said and his fellow farmers were encouraged to form a farming group. These groups offer members support, allows members to discuss how to deal with difficult market conditions and also have a credit union aspect. Juhudi Group (Juhudi means hard work) is now setting an example to younger members of the community and encouraging them to learn and join.

This season Said has harvested 15 bags of onions alone at 100kg each. “We thankWorld Vision for lending us a hand! The ADP has uplifted us economically!”

So much happened in 2011 - for example... 

• 320 households now have access to clean drinking water through the provision of a borehole.
• 1,215 farmers received drought-resistant seeds helping them to better cope with infrequent rainfalls.
• 90.4% of households are now using mosquito nets as a precaution against deadly malaria.
• A recent study proved that child nutrition has improved. Now 84.5% of children are of acceptable height for their age according to WHO standards.
• 19 schools received badly needed books and sports equipment to better the education of local children.

2012 Challenge

We worked closely with farming groups this year, improving access to drought-tolerant seeds and developing small scale horticulture production to stabilise food security. In 2012, we will continue to work with groups, helping them gain access to loans and build their market knowledge and business skills so they can build successful businesses.

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