Betty Amani, a refugee widow and mother of four in Block Ofua 6, zone, Rhino Camp refugee settlement – Terego District, once depended on food rations. Today, she has a kitchen garden, a one-acre rice farm, and has planted fruit trees around her 30x30m land allocated by OPM. “Before, we only waited for what was given by World Food Program. Now, I grow what we need,” she says.
The Change:
With cash for nutrition support and training from PALM Corps under Food Security & nutrition project in partnership with DCA with funding from Norvonordisk Foundation, Betty gained skills and confidence. She learned climate-smart techniques like line planting, water conservation, and nursery bed management and good nutrition practices like breast feeding techniques, types of food for babies, among others. “For the first time, I transplanted onions on my own. I was so happy and proud,” Betty recalls.
The Impact:
- Nutrition: Her family eats fresh, home-grown vegetables daily besides other food categories.
- Income: Surplus harvest boosts her restaurant business. “My garden helps my business. I cook what I grow.”
- Leadership: As a “Lead Mother,” she inspires neighbours. “If I can do this, they too can.”
Looking Ahead:
Betty plans to start a seed bank, practice food preservation, and rent more land to plant other food crops with the knowledge she acquired. Her journey from dependence to self-reliance shows how practical support can create lasting change, nourishing both a family and a community.
