GB Empowering People with Disabilities in Mozambique Simon Nyaga, Director of Bold Impact Africa promotes GB to small-scale farmers, as well as environmental conservation, childhood/youth development, advocacy, community/policy development, and entrepreneurship for women and youth groups. He holds degree (BSc. CRM) from Kenyatta University, and learned GB at the GROW BIOINTENSIVE Agriculture Centre of Kenya (GBIACK) in 2016. He shared this article with us. USAID states: "In Mozambique people with disabilities (PWD) are routinely marginalized and discriminated against, particularly in rural areas. They often lack full access to education, health care, information and employment. In addition to practical barriers, prejudice and stigmatization make it even more difficult for Mozambicans with disabilities to maximize their contribution to society." Simon's project helps address this challenge. In the heart of Maputo, Mozambique, a small but
impactful initiative is making waves. Simon Nyaga,
the founder of Bold Impact Africa, has spearheaded
a project that is transforming the lives of
individuals with disabilities in this vibrant African
nation. Through a grant received by Bold Impact Africa,
in collaboration with Mozambique citizen Xangamira
Sitoe and with the support of the Mandela
Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, this project is empowering
people with disabilities to use GROW BIOINTENSIVE
farming skills.
Image: Simon demonstrates offset close-spacing in a double-dug bed (credit: bold impact africa) Mozambique is home to 475,011 individuals living
with various disabilities, including physical, hearing,
mental, visual, and multiple disabilities. For
these individuals, disseminating their rights and
unlocking their full potential has been a persistent
challenge. Simon Nyaga and his team recognized the
need to address this issue and decided to empower
them through sustainable GROW BIOINTENSIVE (GB)
farming training. The project focused on equipping
30 individuals with disabilities, aged 18 to 40, with
essential farming skills over a two-week training program
in August 2023. The training program delved
into the core principles of GB farming, covering
topics such as double digging, composting, carbon
farming, and calorie farming. One of the significant
achievements of the project was the establishment
of a GROW BIOINTENSIVE demonstration site. Here,
individuals with disabilities actively participated in
transplanting seedlings using the GB diagonal offset
method. This experience gave participants an opportunity
to put newly acquired knowledge into practice
and build confidence in their farming abilities.
Image: Deaf project beneficiaries learning to transplant seedlings in a newly dug bed (credit: bold impact africa) To ensure the sustainability of the project and the success of its beneficiaries, a three-day monitoring and follow-up phase was implemented. This phase involved visits and site tours to the participants' homes. The primary objectives of these visits were to monitor the implementation of the farming techniques, provide seedlings, offer technical support, and address any identified capacity gaps. The impact of this project goes beyond the training
itself. As a result of the acquired skills, all the participants
successfully established growing beds and
began cultivating a wide range of crops, including
maize, beans, kale, spring onions, and lettuce. These
efforts have significantly contributed to household
food security, demonstrating that empowerment
through education can have a far-reaching impact
for all people.
Image: Deaf project beneficiaries tending a thriving GB garden during a follow-up visit (credit: bold impact africa) Simon Nyaga's vision, coupled with the collaboration with Xangamira Sitoe and the support of the Mandela Washington Fellowship's LINC Project (Leveraging Innovations in New Communities), has brought about positive change in the lives of persons with disabilities in Mozambique. Through GROW BIOINTENSIVE farming, these individuals have not only gained valuable skills but also newfound independence and a source of sustenance for their families. This project serves as a shining example of how a small grant, determination, and the power of collaboration can create lasting change in communities that need it most. It's a testament to the fact that when people come together with a shared goal, the possibilities for positive transformation are endless. ♥ top | Newsletter Home |Table of Contents| Archive
|
