The view from Kilosa

As we proceed with the journey, I take in the scenery, which is alternately fertile green and verdant in some places, then dry and parched in others.

Despite the good growing conditions, children suffering from malnutrition are a common sight in this part of eastern Tanzania.

Farm Africa wants to put stop to this, which is why we are starting to work here to increase awareness about the nutritional benefits of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and high protein maize.

The following day we meet the district agriculture officer, Ms. Tatu Kachenje. She explains that, while Kilosa is fertile, local traditions dictate that the men eat the largest share of food, followed by women. Children are given what is left.

We then proceed to Zombo village, 20 kilometers from Kilosa where we met a group of fifteen farmers.  They share stories about how they produce food for their families and where possible, sell the surplus.

On average farmers in this village have three acres and plant a combination of maize, sweet potatoes and sesame. Their main challenges include pests and diseases and market uncertainty. Although they take their children to school, most don’t proceed beyond primary education.

It was a similar story in Msolwa and Kiegea, the next two villages we visit. At Kiegea, villagers sell their crops along the Dar es Salaam to Dodoma road and wait for buses or other motorist to stop and buy.

We wrapped up our visit by visiting the road side market at Mtumbatu, where we met a group of women busy selling their crops, from sweet potatoes to tomatoes.

We will be following the progress of the families we visited to see the progress in their lives, nutritionally and economically during the project implementation.