In the heart of Mihama Village, Tanzania, Juliana Peter Maganga’s story unfolds as a powerful testament to resilience, community support, and the transformative power of sustainable agriculture. Her journey from hardship to hope embodies the spirit of World Food Day 2025, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, which calls for global collaboration to build a food-secure future.

Ten years ago, Juliana’s life was upended when her husband left her and their six children. With no income and limited resources, she faced the daunting challenge of single-handedly providing for her family. “He left me in 2014, and life became difficult,” Juliana recalls. “I started selling sardines to feed my children. When my husband was around, life was good because he was providing for us. When he left, things became hard.”

In the early days of her new reality, Juliana faced the harsh challenges of single motherhood. The days were long and filled with worry as she fought to keep her family fed and cared for. Many nights, they went to bed on empty stomachs, and Juliana often felt overwhelmed by the burden of responsibility. Despite these challenges, her love for her children fuelled her determination to rise above their circumstances.

Armed with new knowledge and tools, Juliana began planting vegetables alongside staple crops. Her garden flourished, and for the first time in years, her family had access to fresh, nutritious food. The surplus produce became a source of income, allowing her to join a local savings group called Mapambano, also supported by the NOURISH Project. This group became a vital support system for her, allowing her to save the profits from her vegetable sales. With each contribution, she felt empowered, knowing she was taking control of her financial future.

With her savings, Juliana invested in onions- a high-demand crop in her community. In 2023, she harvested three bags and sold them for a total of 900,000 Tanzanian shillings. She used part of the earnings to buy five pigs, which multiplied to 18. By November 2024, she had sold 12 pigs in Dar es Salaam, earning enough to buy a cow and further diversify her farming operations.

But Juliana’s success didn’t come without challenges. The Kishapu District, where she lives, experiences long periods of sunshine and erratic rainfall. Climate change threatened her progress. In response, World Vision and local extension officers provided training in mixed farming techniques to help farmers adapt. “We were taught to grow various types of crops to cope with climate change,” Juliana explains. “If we miss the harvest for one crop, we can rely on another.”

“I am grateful to World Vision,” Juliana says. “Their training and support helped me change my life. Now, I can feed my children, send them to school, and dream of a better future.”

As the world marks World Food Day, Juliana’s story reminds us that real change begins with empowering individuals and communities. By investing in women farmers, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and fostering global solidarity, we can build a future where no one goes hungry, and where every harvest brings hope.