Moshi, TZ – Family uses garden income to start a small business – 28 Aug 2014

Mama GMA in her garden.

The GMA family joined the Tupendane FAITH Garden program on November 28, 2013. After over 9 months of maintaining their garden, the family is starting to become very self-sufficient in the maintenance of their garden. They have learned how to follow the basic best practices of watering, applying organic pesticides and boosters, rotating crops, and maintaining bed shape.

The family is being rewarded for their hard work. Mama GMA estimated that over the past six months the family has saved 60,000 TZS (US$37.50) by not having to purchase vegetables at the market. Additionally, they have sold another 60,000 TZS worth of surplus vegetables to friends and neighbors.

Mama GMA preparing tea leaves for her small business.

The family has used this combination of savings and income to contribute capital to their small business of selling tea leaves. They are hoping to continue growing this business to eventually include other staple items. If the business becomes big enough, the family is hoping they can open a formal kiosk, providing staple items to their community.