A Hidden Talent
When Mariamu first joined the food security program in Hanang district of Tanzania, she had no idea she’d soon become a talented rainwater harvesting technician. She’d always been dependent on her husband to earn an income and make the household decisions.
She joined a village savings and loans group when the program began in April 2024. Together with her group members, Mariamu received training in Conservation Agriculture practices, vegetable gardening, chicken keeping, and rainwater harvesting.
After training, she started to practice what she had learned and did well. This changed her husband’s mindset toward her and he began to join in and support her efforts in vegetable gardening, tree planting and chicken keeping. Together, they are using Conservation Agriculture practices to improve their soil and their yields. Nowadays, Mariamu is involved in family decisions and contributes toward their household income.
With newly increased confidence, Mariamu decided to put more of her training into practice and build her own rainwater harvesting system. Although she didn’t have experience or training as a mason, she’d learned everything she needed to know through the program and her system turned out well!
Noting her talent, other farmer groups chose her to be their technician. She has since built more than eight tanks around the area. Her group members say, “Mariamu is the best technician. We, and even she, did not know she had this talent. Thanks to the program for bringing out our hidden talents!”
Tanzania Hanang Program
Led by Mennonite Central Committee and local partner One World Sustainable Livelihood