Amani Girls Organization
Member
- Feb 17, 2024
- 23
- 11
Yohana Jacob, a father of three from Kisiriri Village in Iramba District, has been a farmer for more than 20 years. Like many smallholder farmers in the Singida region, he faced major setbacks caused by erratic weather patterns, including droughts and unpredictable rainfall. “We used to invest so much in farming but get very little in return. Sometimes we had to replant due to dry spells, and yields were low,” he recalled.
In 2024, Yohana joined the Agape Savings and Producer Group (SPG) formed through the ELCAP project (Empowering Local Communities through Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices), implemented by Amani Girls Organization in partnership with Strømme Foundation. Through the group, he received training on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques, including the production and application of biochar – a soil enhancer made from crop residues.
A Game Changer in the Soil
After his first application of biochar on his one-acre maize plot, Yohana saw impressive results. “Before, I would harvest only 8 bags from the same plot. Now, I harvest 18 bags of maize, which are big and healthy thanks to the moisture retention and soil improvement from the biochar,” he shared. This improvement has not only boosted food security for his family but also allowed him to sell the surplus for income.
From Learner to Local Trainer
Inspired by the outcome, Yohana began producing biochar regularly—not just for his own use, but as a source of income. “Every week, I make around 7–8 bags of biochar and sell them to other farmers at TZS 6,000 per bag. That’s how I earn money now,” he said with pride. His success has sparked interest in the community. Farmers from Kisiriri and neighboring areas now visit his home to learn how to make and use biochar. Yohana freely shares his knowledge, becoming a local champion of climate-smart farming.
Investing in the Future
With the profits earned from selling biochar and farm produce, Yohana has started to diversify his livelihood. He bought a pig, four chickens, and animal feed to venture into livestock farming. “My goal is to grow both farming and livestock as a business. I now see agriculture as a real opportunity,” he explained.
Yohana’s story illustrates the powerful ripple effects of targeted agricultural training and sustainable farming solutions. Through ELCAP, he has transformed climate challenges into opportunities, improving his income, food security, and community standing. #AmaniGirls
In 2024, Yohana joined the Agape Savings and Producer Group (SPG) formed through the ELCAP project (Empowering Local Communities through Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices), implemented by Amani Girls Organization in partnership with Strømme Foundation. Through the group, he received training on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques, including the production and application of biochar – a soil enhancer made from crop residues.
A Game Changer in the Soil
After his first application of biochar on his one-acre maize plot, Yohana saw impressive results. “Before, I would harvest only 8 bags from the same plot. Now, I harvest 18 bags of maize, which are big and healthy thanks to the moisture retention and soil improvement from the biochar,” he shared. This improvement has not only boosted food security for his family but also allowed him to sell the surplus for income.
From Learner to Local Trainer
Inspired by the outcome, Yohana began producing biochar regularly—not just for his own use, but as a source of income. “Every week, I make around 7–8 bags of biochar and sell them to other farmers at TZS 6,000 per bag. That’s how I earn money now,” he said with pride. His success has sparked interest in the community. Farmers from Kisiriri and neighboring areas now visit his home to learn how to make and use biochar. Yohana freely shares his knowledge, becoming a local champion of climate-smart farming.
Investing in the Future
With the profits earned from selling biochar and farm produce, Yohana has started to diversify his livelihood. He bought a pig, four chickens, and animal feed to venture into livestock farming. “My goal is to grow both farming and livestock as a business. I now see agriculture as a real opportunity,” he explained.
Yohana’s story illustrates the powerful ripple effects of targeted agricultural training and sustainable farming solutions. Through ELCAP, he has transformed climate challenges into opportunities, improving his income, food security, and community standing. #AmaniGirls
