Before, I grew maize and vegetables, but after Nakya introduced us to sunflower farming in 2013, I decided to switch. That year, I harvested 13 bags, compared to 5 or 6 before. Not only did I benefit, but other villagers saw the changes and also started growing sunflowers. This has significantly contributed to conserving our mountain environment, as more people have switched to gas instead of relying on firewood.
As a sunflower farmer, I no longer worry about store-bought oil costs because I use my own sunflower oil. This farming has allowed me to buy a gas stove and stop using charcoal from people destroying the Mkingu forest. The income from selling sunflower oil supports other crops like rice and pays my children’s school fees. The yields make it easier to meet my family’s needs and have improved my overall economic situation..
I’ve been growing sunflowers for five years. Initially, I started with one acre and harvested nine bags. By the second year, I expanded to two acres and got 17 bags. The profit helped me buy an irrigation machine, land, and start rice and vegetable farming. Sunflower farming is simpler and cheaper than maize. I earn up to TZS. 3 million per season and encourage others to adopt it due to its benefits.
I am very grateful to EAMCEF! Previously, I relied on making charcoal and firewood for income, but they taught me the importance of forest conservation and provided sunflower seeds and training in sustainable farming, which transformed my life. Now I process flour, vegetables, and oil, and I have built a brick house with a modern toilet. This education has made me a role model in my community, and I now teach others about environmental protection and alternative income sources.
