Fields of Change
‘Seed Fund’ Appeal Transforming Livelihoods at Kazunzu.
Jeremiah Joseph, a 44-year-old father from Kazunzu Village of Hope, is married to Esther Kisandu, 40. They have seven children, four biological and three orphaned children which they have welcomed into their family. Jeremiah’s devotion to orphaned children stems from his own painful childhood, having lost both parents as a baby. Raised without the warmth of a mother or father, he longed for a nurturing family and a chance at a better life. His promise to himself was to open his heart and home to children in need if he ever had a family of his own.
Since moving to Kazunzu in 2020, Jeremiah and the other families have received training in modern farming techniques building upon his previous experience in traditional methods. Initially sceptical, Jeremiah decided to try the new methods. He cultivated three quarters of an acre using a new spacing technique, manure, and improved seeds. The results exceeded his expectations, yielding 14 bags of maize. With this surplus, he was able to meet his family’s needs by selling maize to generate extra income. Encouraged by his success, Jeremiah expanded his planting of maize to two acres the following year, harvesting over 30 bags.
He now stores the grain carefully, ensuring maximum profit. “I felt a deep responsibility to find a better way to support my family and fulfill the dream that brought me to Kazunzu”, reflects Jeremiah on the progress of the past few years. His wife, Esther, supports him fully, and they work together on the farm. “Our family is very happy”, Esther says. Jeremiah is grateful for the support from Vine Trust and the Diocese, which helped him live his dream. His children are healthy, and they enjoy nutritious meals daily. Jeremiah has also ventured into vegetable farming, ensuring year-round food security. He hopes for more opportunities to further empower his family and community.