Nyakitonto community

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“I feel secure to have some savings that can help my family during dry seasons when there are no trade activities,” said Gerishon, a 48-year-old tradesman, at this savings group meeting. Chairperson Majaliwa added, “I learnt ways to manage the saving group, which has generated a higher amount of income compared to previous seasons.”

Tanzania lies on the east coast of Africa. Its neighbours include Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Burundi and Mozambique. Almost half of the population still live in poverty, which is most severe in rural areas.

“Before World Vision’s livestock training I used to get a few litres of milk but now I have enough milk for the wellbeing of my family and to sell to the community at large,” said Daniel, a member of the livestock commercial producer group.

“The entrepreneurship program taught me how to make soap bars to sell to the community. I now sell enough soap for my family to have three meals a day,” said Mwamini, a community group leader.

More than 351 farmers in the Nyakitonto community have received training in improved farming techniques, with many also receiving seeds to aid crop production. These farmers are part of 29 commercial producer groups that have been formed and supported to help increase household incomes. New equipment including drip irrigation kits is also helping them to grow vegetables such as onions, tomatoes and eggplants that are in high market demand.

In collaboration with the district council, the program is supporting monthly health outreach clinics in two villages in the community where the nearest health facility is a 40km walk away. A monthly average of 20 pregnant mothers and 250 children attend the clinics. Clinic staff are seeing improvements in the health and nutrition of the women and children attending.