An interview with Kiddi: a better harvest in Nepal

And, how are things going for you after the Tearfund programme?

‘Now, things are good! Before, they were not good at all! But, after this [Tearfund] programme, things are good.

‘I attended the kitchen garden training and I got to know new things about seeds. Also, they gave us seven types of seed, and I received a hosepipe, garden water can, and help accessing water for irrigation.

‘I used to plant rice and millet, but I did not get much from the crops. Now, I plant beans, cauliflowers, cabbage and even potatoes – I learnt how to do that!

 

‘I’ve had two harvests and now my life is more comfortable because after I planted [the first time], I sold all the crops. When I saw such a good income from work, I felt like I wanted to plant more! With money in my pocket, I felt very motivated to plant again!

‘I felt so happy. Since I sold my crops, I‘ve been able to buy oil, soap and other things my family needs. I’ve even managed to save some money.

‘We also have a compost pit – I dug the pit myself and later added manure to it. What I’m adding now includes kitchen waste and ox dung. After a year, I’m able to use it [as an excellent, cheap fertiliser].

‘This year, I haven’t planted as much because my youngest son has been unwell, but we’ve still managed one field. The cabbage hasn’t been harvested yet. There are beans and onions, which I’ve already sold half of, and most of my chilli peppers sold a few days ago so I could pay my children’s school fees.’

What difference has this made in your life?

‘The money I’ve earned means I have some in case of an emergency. When there isn’t enough food, we use that money to cover it. I’m also planning to invest the money I’m saving.

‘I teach other people too, telling them how they can also do this, after I took part in the kitchen garden training.

‘I advise them that it's helpful [for everyone] to grow vegetables – even if you don’t sell them, at least you get to eat them yourself and you can give some to your relatives.

‘I hope that we will be able to keep growing more vegetables because the children need to be educated.

‘It’s become easier for me to grow vegetables and it's getting even easier! Planting rice and millet is difficult. It causes back pain, but with growing vegetables, we're able to get food, and it's easy.

‘I think my favourite vegetables are potatoes. I’ve probably sold around 40kgs of them!’

What Kiddi got out of Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training:

1. Market gardening training: including what to plant, how to plant it, and how to look after it to ensure a thriving, profitable harvest from her small patch of land. 
2. Seeds and tools: Kiddi received about three litres of good-quality seeds for climate-resilient vegetables, likely to succeed in the environment in spite of the ongoing climate issues. She also received items to help with irrigation.
3. Savings training: input on how to save, and things to think about as possible ways to invest the money.

What Kiddi has achieved after implementing Tearfund’s training:

• Better educational opportunities for her children;
• Improved standard of living – including that the children have decent clothes and school supplies;
• Improved hygiene for the family and the home – because Kiddi can afford the products she needs to maintain this;
• Financial independence through market gardening – she grows and sells a variety of vegetables, including cauliflower, beans, tomatoes, okra, carrots and peas;
• Financial security and savings;
• Personal empowerment – Kiddi now feels motivated by her own successes and also shares her learning with others.

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