In Bilinsa, farmland and paid work were hard to come by, and many women left for the cities in search of income, struggling to support their families and children.
Through the Food Security Project, NABOCADO set up a solar-powered vegetable garden where the women of Bilinsa now grow local vegetables all year round. The garden has given them a steady income and a stronger voice at home and in the community.
“This project has given us a platform to voice our opinions and actively contribute to decision-making. We are no longer just observers; we are now actively involved in planning, managing our families and marketing our produce. It has empowered us to become leaders in our community.”
“The solar-powered vegetable garden has been a lifeline for us. It has given us a reliable source of income that has transformed our lives. We can now afford to send our children to school, provide better nutrition and invest in our future. We are no longer dependent on others; we have become self-reliant.”
“Before this project, we struggled to access fresh and nutritious food for our families. But now we have a consistent supply of local vegetables throughout the year. Our children are healthier, and we no longer worry about food shortages.”
Because the garden runs on solar power, it needs no fuel for pumping water, and growing local vegetables helps keep traditional crops and farming knowledge alive.
Part of the Food Security Project, funded by Kindermissionswerk ‘Die Sternsinger’, Germany.
Story and photos: Moses Apana Apobona, NABOCADO Media & Communications.