Seeds for Life in Zambia

After two consecutive years of drought, this year saw an unprecedented amount of rain falling throughout Zambia. This created problems for some communities as they became inaccessible due to high river levels. However, the great news it that it has helped to alleviate the hunger of the past two years.

If you must walk several miles to school on an empty school, being able to receive food from a school feeding program is a huge benefit. Not only does it increase your stamina, but will improve your concentration levels. 

During to recent visit to Zambia it was a sheer joy to see maize, sorghum and millet growing within the communities. Every available space is utilized and most especially in the schools, where your donations help to provide seeds and fertilizer for crops. Children were eating fresh corn on the cob straight from the field!

Now Zambia is in the dry cool season, when no rain will fall until December. All surplus produce has been dried and stored for the next few months, and this year it is hoped that food supplements will not be as necessary as in recent years. Sadly some of the poorest families have not been able to grow their own food, relying on handouts from neighbours.

Besides the provision of seeds, having access to safe water is vital. As we branch out into new areas more wells are needed. In March I visited Luzila Village, a community in Sekute Chiefdom, The people have to draw water from a swamp during the wet season. Muselekwa, the Headman, told me that once the swamp is dry, people have to walk nearly two miles to Lupani School to fetch water. 

Four other villages rely on this swamp for drinking water, washing clothes and bathing. Muselekwa informed me that 600 people are in much need of a fresh local water source. Although they have access to the school well, the extra demand can at times deplete the supply. Muselekwa assured me that water can be sourced where there is a Muhonono Tree! 

These  communities receive no support from any other charity. Providing safe water and seeds for school gardens are two of The Butterfly Tree's most successful programs, together we can reach out to villages like Luzila.

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree Water Projects