In the area of Thukutu under Traditional Authority Wasambo in Karonga District, the Mhango family has a powerful story of transformation one that began with hardship and is now filled with hope.
Before joining the project, life was difficult for Aaron Mhango and his family. They faced many challenges, including not having enough food and struggling to afford fertilizer. Their harvests were small, and the future looked uncertain.
Things started to change when the Mhango family became participants of the IOVCY Project, which is being implemented by Lusubilo Community Care with financial support from the Coppell Family and technical assistance from Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
As part of the project, the family received monthly consumption support of K45, 000 for five months, helping them meet their daily needs. They also received K80, 000 to buy fertilizer. In addition to the financial help, they were trained in how to make Mbeya manure, a locally made organic fertilizer.
With the fertilizer and Mbeya manure, the family applied the knowledge to their farm. For the first time in years, they had a successful harvest. “We harvested 20 bags of maize, each weighing 50 kilograms, and 3 bags of rice, each weighing 90 kilograms, we have also planted cassava, and we are waiting to harvest it soon.” Aaron proudly shares.
The Mhango family didn’t stop at farming. Using part of the support from Lusubilo, they began keeping livestock. Today, their home is full of life with 103 local chickens, 10 goats, and 3 pigs. “We are now able to sell chickens or goats when we need money, this is something we could never do before.” says Aaron’s wife
Another important change came when the family joined a Savings and Internal Lending Community (SILC) group. They learned the importance of saving money, borrowing wisely, and working as a team with others in the community. Right now the family has K107, 000 which they will share in November.
Beyond farming and saving, the family says they have also learned how to live in a clean and healthy environment. They said now they have a dish rack, hand washing facility, rubbish pit, and latrine.
For the Mhango family, the IOVCY Project has brought lasting change. “This is a good project, it has helped us in so many ways. We are able to feed our children, earn money, save, and take better care of our home. We are very thankful.” says Aaron.