THE FAMINE: 2004

Tanzania

People participating in construction of a water weir in the Mpwapwa district.

Some 98 percent of the population in Mpwapwa, Tanzania, are subsistence farmers. The focus of World Vision's work here is to improve agriculture, nutrition, environmental conservation and also tackle the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

Farmers in this region rely on traditional irrigation systems which are often fragile and prone to damage. Repairs and improvements to irrigation infrastructure have been successfully completed on some of the systems.

Thanks to the 2004 Famine, farmers are also being trained to adopt new agricultural techniques and better ways to look after their livestock. Families are being educated on nutrition and care for children. Support is given to assist the community in income-generating activities to reduce their dependency on farming especially in times of drought.

Famine funds have helped World Vision:

• Teach families newer ways of farming and provide new tools and better seeds to help grow more food
• Promote child rights by providing income-generating opportunities so children can go to school (and not work in the fields)
• Drill boreholes to give families access to clean drinking water and build water catchments to save water and reduce the impact of drought
• Develop irrigation systems so farmers can grow crops year-round
• Build sanitary toilets to stop the spread of disease
• Teach mothers about kids' nutrition and healthcare

The 2008 Famine will not be funding projects in Tanzania.

The 40 Hour Famine is a community education and fundraising initiative of World Vision Australia.