Turning Access to Water into Sustainable Livelihoods Through Backyard Gardens.
Turning Access to Water into Sustainable Livelihoods Through Backyard Gardens.
Just a few kilometers from her home in Chikwanda Village, Traditional Authority Chulu, Anna walks to the community borehole to collect water for her garden. The short distance makes her daily trips manageable, and she balances a container of water on her head as she heads back to her backyard to start watering her banana plants.
“With the borehole so close, it is easy for me to bring water to my garden, I water the bananas and vegetables every day. It may take some effort, but it is worth it because this garden feeds my family and brings in some income,” says Anna.
Through World Vision’s WASH project in Muntchenda Area Program in Kasungu, Anna received banana seedlings and training on how to care for them. When fully grown, the bananas can be cooked while raw or enjoyed ripe, and some will be sold to provide money for food, household necessities, and school fees for her eight children.
The training, held from 14th to 16th January, highlighted the importance of including fruits in the diet as part of six food groups, motivating Anna to create a backyard garden that supports her family’s nutrition. With knowledge and access to water from the nearby borehole, Anna has turned her backyard into a productive garden, cultivating both bananas and vegetables for her family.
“I used to worry about raising my children and paying school fees, now, with water easily accessible and the skills I learned, I feel hopeful. In the next two to three years, I believe the banana orchard will greatly benefit my household”. Says Anna
By combining nearby water access, training, and determination, Anna is transforming her backyard into a source of food, income, and hope, demonstrating how WASH interventions can empower single mothers and strengthen families in Chikwanda Village.
By combining nearby water access, training, and determination, Anna Banda is turning her backyard into a source of food, income, and hope, demonstrating the power of WASH interventions in Chikwanda Village.