In Mwambulaga community in Tanzania, a small group of farmers is showing how knowledge, collaboration and determination can transform everyday life.

Formed in 2023 through World Vision’s Irish-Aid funded NOURISH project, the Baba Bora Group began with a simple idea: to learn new farming techniques and put them into practice. Today, they are improving how families grow food, what they eat, and how they earn a living. 

The changes were immediate.

“Before the training, we used traditional methods. Now our harvests are much more satisfying,” says Nhung’wa Landu.

By adopting improved planting techniques and diversifying crops, the group is producing more and producing better. Alongside traditional crops, members now grow nutrient-rich vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and eggplant in their home gardens, helping families access a more varied and nutritious diet while also creating produce that can be sold locally for additional income.

Fresh Food on the Table

One of the biggest impacts has been felt at home.

Families who once struggled to access vegetables now harvest their own fresh produce daily. Meals are becoming more diverse and nutritious, with vegetables like Chinese cabbage and eggplant now a regular part of family diets.

“From our gardening, we harvest vegetables for our families. Our wives no longer have to walk long distances to find fresh produce,” Ezekiel explains.

Across communities taking part in the NOURISH project, more families are now growing and consuming nutrient-rich foods, helping to improve diet quality and support healthier lives. 

Farming is also creating new economic opportunities.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Baba Bora Group’s efforts has been their ability to generate income through crop sales. “Last year, we sold eggplants and earned eighty thousand shillings, which we used to support our high school student in Mpanda,” Ezekiel shares. “This income not only contributed to our children’s education but also showcased the financial opportunities that modern agriculture can bring to the village.”

In addition to farming, the Baba Bora Group is committed to promoting environmental conservation and improving sanitation practices within their community. They emphasise the role of men in supporting productive activities that enhance family income, challenging traditional gender roles.

The group encourages men to take a more active role in family welfare, including supporting their wives with household responsibilities and contributing to the family’s financial wellbeing. 

For the Baba Bora Group, this is just the beginning.

With the knowledge and confidence they have gained, they are committed to continuing their journey, expanding their activities, supporting others, and building a better future for their families.

“We now have the knowledge and skills to improve our farming and provide for our families. We want to be role models for others,” Ezekiel says.

From one acre of land to a growing movement in their community, the Baba Bora Group shows how small-scale farmers, given the right support, can drive lasting change, improving nutrition, strengthening livelihoods, and building resilience for the future.