Suzana's journey to improving climate resilience in her village in Tanzania
Meet Suzana January, a dedicated mother of four in Kumshindwi Village. She has been the backbone of her family, supporting them through small-scale farming on a modest 4-acre plot and beekeeping. These endeavors once provided sustenance and income, covering various needs, including school fees for her children. However, Suzana's tranquil life was disrupted by an insidious problem – erosion was ravaging her farm, giving rise to a menacing gully that was gradually encroaching on her arable land and threatening her home and loved ones.
Posted on 25 Oct 2023
The situation spiraled out of control as the gully expanded, isolating her village and disrupting access to essential resources and services. It felt like they were cut off from the world, desperately in need of a lifeline.
Fortunately, in their darkest hour, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of the Environment and Climate Resilience project, a remarkable collaboration between the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Suzana and her village were fortunate to be beneficiaries of this life-changing project, which centered on rejuvenating and reclaiming their ravaged land.
I am truly thrilled to witness the transformation of this gully, which had posed a looming threat to our children, livestock, and the entire community. The gully was inching perilously close to my house, and it held the potential to wreak havoc and significant loss. Thanks to this project, I've gained valuable knowledge that equips me to identify and address gully erosion at its nascent stage, preventing the devastating impacts that not only disrupt our livelihoods but also jeopardize our community's safety.
/ Suzana January
Suzana's deep sense of gratitude extended beyond just gully treatment; it encompassed the empowerment she gained to tackle similar issues proactively. The project introduced innovative activities, such as compost making, Fanya Juu Fanya Chini (a terracing technique), and locally sourced gully treatment materials.
These endeavors not only revitalized the landscape but also ignited a renewed sense of optimism and the prospect of a brighter future for Suzana and her entire community.
The story of Suzana January stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. It's a story of resilience, hope, and a commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Together, they have shown that even in the face of adversity, we can emerge stronger and create a better tomorrow.
