The Magugu community programme
The Magugu community development programme is located in the
Babati district of Tanzania's Manyara region, north of the capital
city of Dodoma. World Vision reaches 19 villages with a total
population of over 57,150. World Vision's partnership with Magugu
started in 2003 and is envisaged to continue until 2018, when the
community will be well-equipped to continue with its own
development. In the past year, significant improvements were made
in the areas of nutrition and education.
Issues covered: Education, nutrition
and water
Updates on World Vision's work
Nutrition and water
- Over the past year, farmers have been trained in modern farming
methods, resulting in higher crop yields. For example, rice
harvests increased from an average of 20 bags per half a hectare in
2010 to 25 bags per half a hectare in 2011, and tomatoes increased
from an average of 1.5 tonnes per half a hectare in 2010 to 2.5
tonnes per half a hectare. This means more food to feed their
families and higher incomes.
- Pedal pumps were introduced to help irrigate crops, resulting
in the cultivation of more land and an increase in crop yields to
help ensure year-round food security.
Education
- Improvements to the learning environment has resulted in an
increase in the average primary school enrolment rate for both boys
and girls - from 86.8 per cent in 2010 to 97.9 per cent in
2011.
- 80 per cent of primary schools now have preschool classes
available for children aged 3-5.
The Magugu community is in the tenth year of its development
journey with World Vision.
Life on
the ground in Magugu
Sharing means sustainable success
Two of Amina's children with one of the
family's calves.
Two years ago, the Kiwang'imagi community-based development
group asked for World Vision's assistance to start a dairy project.
Amina, a single mum to two girls and two boys, was one of the first
members to receive a cow. "For me it was like life had started
again after I lost my husband. The cow soon had a healthy bull
calf, which we gifted to the community development group as a
repayment for the generosity we had been shown. Our cow produces
about 12 litres of milk per day. My children's health improved
because of the nutritious milk they drank. With the income from the
surplus milk I sell, I can purchase clothes for the children,
afford their school fees and buy food. I am confident that one day
I will be able to build us a new house. I am really grateful for
World Vision's support. As soon as my cow has a female calf, I am
ready to give it to another group member so that he or she can
experience the same success as I have," says Amina.
Tanzania at a glance
The shouts of 'karibu', or 'welcome', which greet visitors to
Tanzania, speak of the long tradition of hospitality and
friendliness that characterises East Africa's largest country.
