Bright spots: Families banding together to stop disasters

How do you stop a disaster? 

In southern Africa, thousands of families are banding together to stop widespread El Nino drought from affecting them. 

Their secret? Being prepared and working collectively.

World Vision is working with communities across the continent to ensure that families are spared from losing everything when natural disasters plague their lands. 

On 13 October, International Day of Disaster Reduction, we’re celebrating the people who have worked hard to ensure their families and communities are protected from the worst drought the region has seen in 35 years. 

These are some of the bright spots we’ve witnessed as we respond to the El Nino drought.

Mozambique: Mothers collective garden feeding 2,000

A group of 30 farmers have worked together to create a vibrant garden of sweet potatoes and other nutritious vegetables that is feeding 2,000 people.
See the video  

Zimbabwe: Gardening group planting a better future

More than 300 people, including 125 children, are eating fresh vegetables thanks to a community gardening project that was started after an irrigation system provided water to fields in one of the driest parts of the country.
Meet the gardeners

Malawi: Community banking clubs help women provide for their families

By collectively saving their money and enabling low-interest loans, women in central Malawi are able to escape the cycle of poverty, as they are able to purchase livestock and produce better harvests – leading to more productive agricultural endevours.
Learn more about this initiative

Lesotho: Farmers sprouting opportunities inside a greenhouse

After taking part in World Vision training, a farmers’ group banded together to ensure they could grow food indoors for 25 families who take care of 100 orphans and vulnerable children.
Look inside the greenhouse