Lift up cyclone-devastated families in Mozambique

It has been 6 months since Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique. In order to enable people who were affected by the cyclone to resume their lives, Peace Winds Japan distributed agricultural materials to 1,987 families. How are the agricultural materials being used now? We went back to the Metuchira resettlement area in Sofala Province and visited 13 families who received materials from us.

As we traveled from house to house, we saw that there was a small garden in front of one of the houses. The owner told us excitedly that the seeds were planted and some of the stems were starting to sprout. One farmer told us, “We will plant the vegetable seeds after harvesting the corn we are already growing,” while another farmer said, “We are now preparing a garden in order to plant the seeds.” All the households were carefully using the hoes and the watering cans provided to them and unused seeds were being carefully preserved in order to plant them the next rainy season.

In August, we revisited Metuchira resettlement area. Crops are a valuable source of revenue. In order to be able to cultivate the seeds that are handed out and ensure a livelihood, the proper cultivation methods must be taught. Therefore, the Peace Winds Japan coordinator for agriculture held a lecture in which he answered questions the residents of Metuchira had regarding agriculture. The participants listened to his answers carefully and increased their understanding of the subject.

We visited the house of Mr. Lucas who was listening intently at the front row during the lecture and he showed us the garden he was growing. Mr. Lucas lives with his wife and four young children in a tent in the same way as other families live. He and his wife take care of the garden and the seeds that were provided were immediately planted in their garden and another garden near the river. He told us that he’s growing lettuce, tomato, kale, cabbage and onions and proudly told us that he was able to eat the kale he grew recently.

Since there is no irrigation system at the resettlement area, there is a lack of water and many gardens do not receive enough. As the sun slowly went down Mr. Lucas told us with hope, “It’s difficult now, but once it’s rainy season more vegetables will grow.”

In the Metuchira resettlement area, many households are now growing their own gardens. It is a lot greener in the once dusty settlement. We will continue our monitoring to see the impact the seeds distributed has on the locals. This project was only possible through the generous donations from our supporters. We would like to thank our supporters and we look forward to your continued generous support and cooperation.