Inspiring Stories

Mary’s Story

Mary, a farmer trained by FFS in the Maseno area has experienced a dramatic turn-around by simply changing which crop she grows. Before Mary joined the Project, maize was her main crop, but struggled terribly with both the stony ground and with fierce competition for the produce from monkeys. During her farmer training, Mary learnt that she could successfully grow Napier Grass on stony ground, a feed crop that is in high demand for the local milk production from cows and goats. Now Mary grows a crop that monkeys do not eat, and that she can sell and in the process, makes enough money to feed her family and meet their needs.

Children are a key part of the Just Earth family; An increasing number of the Orphan groups have access to small plots of land which has enabled them to grow their own food and learn farming skills – a critical skill for the future especially as many of them have family land to run.

As a result of farms becoming profitable again, many husbands and fathers have returned home from the city, where they have been at risk of contracting HIV Aids. This positive outcome in addition to them learning about the sanctity of marriage, has resulted in a much stronger family unit in these parts of Africa.

“Before I joined  Farm School I used to beg for food every day. My children had poor health and I used to quarrel with my husband every day because of our lack of food.

I started thinking what to do so that I can have more food. I started a small business, but it didn’t last for long because I could not buy enough food from the small interest I got.

It was one Sunday when I went to church; the secretary announced the good news of starting a Farm School. After the service I gave my name just to try it out. When the school started; we were given seed and fertiliser by a Marketing Group loan and I applied all the knowledge I had been taught.

By surprise I harvested seven 90kg bags of maize the first season of the year and in the second season I harvested four bags. This was like a dream to me! I could not believe what I was seeing.

Dear friends now I am happy with my family and have no more quarrels with my husband. I have learnt to plant so many crops which I can sell, and I can buy meat, fish, and sugar. I am so glad in my heart, my family has good health. God bless you!”

INSIDE WHAT WE DO

Here are a few quotes from Farm School members:

“It has brought a great change to our lives and all are praising”

“God has been kind and set us free from sickness and provides meals for the family”

“My family has really changed – they now look healthy and really love God. We seriously appreciate this Project and pray that God keeps it going on”