Maura is a mother and grandmother who lives in the village La Esperanza who took part in CEPAD’s Family Gardening Program to transform her land.

“I have a small piece of land that I work, but before that, I used to assist my husband as a labor worker planting corn, beans, and sorghum. We used to plant in the traditional way, burning to clear the land and using pesticides with harmful chemicals. We did not know know the damage we were doing to our soil and our crops.

Now that CEPAD is working with us over the next few years, I have been able to attend 3 workshops on planning crop planting, diversifying my crops, and how to produce my own seeds. Even more, CEPAD taught me how to make my own insecticides and compost using what resources I already have.”

Maura collected local materials like stones, sand, clay, and stakes to build a micro reservoir on her land. Her family helped her purchase 6 yards of black tarp to hold the water. Maura was able to collect 220 liters of water. After some time, Maura and her husband decided to invest and build a concrete water tank that can hold 3,750 liters of water. Now Maura and her family are able to collect rainwater to use during the dry season. She used to have to walk down to the local river with 20 liter buckets in order to water her crops, but now she has the water located on her own land.

Now, Maura has a flourishing garden to feed her family and sell the excess to generate income. “My greatest satisfaction is the diversity of crops. I now have tomatoes, green peppers, hot chili peppers, papayas, and different kinds of squash. I was able to do this with my family’s support, CEPAD’s training, and our new water harvesting techniques.

Due to climate change, we are in a drought in spite of it being rainy season. However, I am still able to produce tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash, which allows us to eat healthy without worrying about harmful chemicals.”

Maura plans to continue using what she’s learned from CEPAD as she helps feed and provide for her four children and three grandchildren.

“Through all of these shared experiences, I feel joyful and hopeful that all of the women in my community can apply the same techniques they are seeing in my own garden. I am thankful for being part of this program and how it has helped improve my family’s nutrition and strengthening our family structure.”