With support from Egmont Trust, the Foundation for Community Livelihood and Development (FOCOLD) distributed various seeds to women affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. Many of these women are marginalized, including widows and divorcees raising children on their own.
The distribution included essential crops such as maize, soya beans, pigeon peas, groundnuts, cassava tubers, and fruit trees, along with fertilizer inputs for Mbeya manure. The women were excited to receive these resources, as they will help improve household nutrition and food security. Using locally available materials, they can process both down-dressing and top-dressing Mbeya manure, further enhancing their farming practices.
Soya beans, in particular, offer high nutritional value, as they can be processed into nutritious foods when mixed with groundnuts. Additionally, the distributed fruit trees contribute to a diverse diet, supporting the six essential food groups and providing vital nutrients for overall health.
FOCOLD collaborated with government extension officers during the seed distribution. The officers encouraged the women to care for the seeds and water the fruit trees, especially during dry periods, as the trees were planted around their homes.
A total of 100 women received early-maturing cassava tubers, which take only six months to harvest. This variety was specifically chosen for its resilience to climate change, ensuring that households remain food secure despite environmental challenges.
The women expressed relief and gratitude, as the rising cost of seeds due to currency devaluation had made them difficult to afford. They committed to tending their gardens diligently to improve household livelihoods. In total, 150 women—75 from Makata and 75 from Chigaru—benefited from this initiative. They extended their heartfelt thanks to Egmont Trust for the valuable support.
