Scaling Up Nutrition Stories of Positive Change: Takashinga Women in Action Centre– Empowering Women Against Malnutrition and Poverty
District Food and Nutrition Security Committees (DFNSCs) form the nucleus for tackling food and nutrition security in a coordinated and holistic manner, with specific core functions. They lead the coordination of food and nutrition security activities at the sub-national level by providing a platform for interaction among relevant Government ministry representatives, development partners, academia and civil society. In this collaborative framework all stakeholders are accountable for ensuring that their sectors meaningfully engage and contribute to improving food and nutrition security at all their levels of operation within the identified national priorities.
The Takashinga Women in Action Centre in Sanyati District, Mashonaland West, has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women facing the multifaceted challenges of food and nutrition security and poverty. Established in the early 2000s, Takashinga Women in Action Centre began as a platform for women to discuss and address issues affecting their livelihoods, ultimately leading to the creation of an agriculture business centre designed to enhance food and nutrition security and economic stability.
Background
Recognising the pressing challenges faced by women and children, Government collaborated with key stakeholders to establish Takashinga Women in Action Centre, which focuses on empowering women through agricultural activities.
Key Initiatives
The centre spans six hectares of arable land, with current activities focusing on:
- Poultry Production: The project includes raising broilers and roadrunners for meat and egg production.
- Market Gardening: Women cultivate various vegetables including cabbages, tomatoes and maize, significantly contributing to improved nutrition within the community.
- Fruit Production: Key fruits such as Papaya and Masawu are grown to diversify income sources.
- Income Savings and Lending (ISALs): This initiative supports financial literacy and savings among participants.
Impact and Outcomes
The initiatives at Takashinga Women in Action Centre have led to substantial improvements in household income and food security. Currently, 33 women actively participate, fostering collaboration and reducing instances of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the community. Improved access to nutritious food has been a critical outcome, helping families to combat malnutrition and improve overall health.
Women of child bearing age testified that they have been able to bear healthy children due to diversity of food they have been consuming since the initiative commenced. Most of the mothers are happy with the growth of their children.
Testimonials and Community Feedback
Beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for the positive changes in their lives, highlighting improved income and food and nutrition security. For instance, a project member reported her ability to feed her family and send her children to school, which was previously unmanageable due to financial constraints.
Mrs Nongai, a member of the project, highlighted that before the intervention they were living in poverty and were failing to send their children to school.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite notable successes, challenges persist particularly concerning water availability for irrigation. The centre is currently under-utilising its six hectares of land due to limited water access which hampers its capacity to produce sufficient food and meet community needs. Ongoing efforts are required to secure additional funding and resources for the centre’s expansion and sustainability.
Conclusion
The success of Takashinga Women in Action Centre underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing social and economic challenges. By empowering women and fostering collaboration, Takashinga Women in Action Centre is paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future in Sanyati District, significantly enhancing food and nutrition security for its members and their families.
