Moshi, TZ – KFM family – 27 Mar 2014

The KFM family is two 56 year old grandparents looking after their two grandchildren. The family was one of the first families in Kahe to begin working with Tupendane to start a FAITH (Food Always In The Home) Garden. They have been taking care of their garden for nine months now and have proven their ability to maintain a productive garden through drought, flood, and the variety of family emergencies that come up through the year.

The KFM family garden in January 2014.

The family has enjoyed a constant supply of nutritious vegetables and is happy to have been able to share vegetables with friends and neighbors. They estimate they have saved approximately 500 TZS (US$0.31) per day since starting their garden and have sold around 60,000 TZS (US$37.50) of vegetables to neighbors.

The father working to prepare the garden for the dry season.

The family also reports that they have saved time because it is no longer necessary to walk two hours to get vegetables at the market. The neighbors have appreciated this benefit as well. The small group of families that live near each other are happy to have a source of nutritious food nearby. People have been able to devote the time saved to other endeavors.

Another benefit the KFM family reported is an expanded social network. The parents have met with other gardeners in the FAITH Garden program as well as other community members interested in vegetable gardening and they have shared their successes, struggles, and best practices. The father reports making many new friends from people who have come by his garden to learn about what he is doing.

The family is also excited about how the organic vegetables are making their stomachs feel. Many people in Tanzania have reported similar experiences after eating FAITH Garden organic vegetables. Stomach ulcers are a common problem in Tanzania and can be caused or aggravated by the chemicals people often spray on vegetables. While corrosive substances can cause stomach ulcers, leafy green vegetables are a known way to alleviate and avoid stomach ulcers. Members of the family have reported that their stomachs – which used to be in constant pain – are feeling much better since they’ve been eating organic vegetables regularly.

While the garden is providing a number of immediate benefits, the family is also focusing on the future and considering how to use their garden to progress as a family. Recently they cleared an additional half acre, to go with the existing two acres, of land for a commercial tomato and corn farming project. The family received a small business loan from Better Lives and Tupendane to purchase a water pump to irrigate their expanded field. The family is optimistic that this project will increase their income.

The father (right) after purchasing a water pump with a loan from Better Lives and Tupendane.

The biggest challenge the family faces is inadequate housing. Even though the family is not very big, their house is not sufficient for four people to live and grow comfortably. Currently, they are working to slowly save up the money needed to improve their housing. They are hoping the commercial farming project will help them achieve this goal.