In Zambia’s dry season, limited access to water can make growing food exceedingly difficult. When Lear started to grow cabbages with assistance from World Vision, what also grew was her income and certainty about her family's future.

For Lear and her five children, who don’t live near a river, making money from farming didn't used to be an option.

Before Lear started growing cabbages, she would sell cooked food to the school, but this only ever generated a small amount of money. Mostly, she relied on loans from her family.

In 2006, World Vision provided her with a pump, which gave her access to water. A year later, World Vision, through a loan scheme, offered a goat and five chickens.

The goat produced 4 kids and the 5 chickens soon became 10.

Farm animals are valuable assets in developing countries. When Lear sold some of the offspring from her goats and chickens she was able to pay for school fees for her children, as well as necessities like food, nutritional supplements and soap. With the money left over, she bought and planted some cabbage seeds.

A business venture was born.

The manure from Lear’s goats helps to fertilise the cabbages, which she now sells at a nearby boarding school. She keeps a portion of her income to buy fertiliser and new seeds as she hopes to expand her small business.

Lear's income has doubled. She has newfound peace of mind. Her livestock have provided a valuable safety net for her family.

“In the past I used to worry about the future of my children but now I know I can sell cabbages, chickens or goats if we need to buy anything. We are thankful and happy that World Vision has helped improve our lives.”

Families like Lear's are supported through World Vision's SEE Solutions. Your support of SEE Solutions can help families discover ways they can generate income and improve their lives. Visit our SEE Solutions page for more information.