Moshi, TZ – Family uses garden income to improve water well – 15 Aug 2014

The BJM family joined Tupendane’s  Food Always In The Home FAITH Organic Vegetable Garden (FAITH) program in January of 2014. Since then the family has maintained a constantly productive garden by working hard and following best practices. The family has enjoyed the new knowledge and is beginning to achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency in garden maintenance.

Mama BJM in the family garden.

Since starting the garden the family estimates that it has harvested about 10,000 TZS (US$6.25) per month for eating giving them a total food bill savings of 60,000 TZS (US$37.50) so far this year. The family has also sold 50,000 TZS (US$31.25) of vegetables to neighbors this year. That makes a total economic benefit of 110,000 TZS (US$68.75) through the first half of the year.

The family garden in April.

The family has put this money to good use, reinforcing its water well for increased safety and durability. Previously, the well was just a 10 meter deep whole in the ground. This is dangerous because the mud and sand walls can collapse. If someone is fetching water they could fall the entire 10 meters into the ground and be covered with sand and mud. Even if no one gets hurt, the family’s water source would be closed off. To improve the well the family lined it with bricks and cement. Now it is much safer.

Mama BJM using the newly impoved well.

In addition to economic benefits, the family has also reported health benefits. One of the most immediate benefits that many families report after starting gardens is a decrease in stomach problems. Because there is less understanding and monitoring of the dangers of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, many vegetables go to market in Tanzania just days after being sprayed with chemicals. This can cause a number of short term stomach issues, as well as serious consequences for long-term health. When families switch to homegrown organic vegetables, they often feel an immediate effect on their feeling of well-being.

The family’s next goal is to qualify to receive a microloan from Tupendane.