From food insecurity to surplus in Mbeya

Three villages in the Mbeya highlands have moved from chronic food deficits to dependable surplus harvests after switching to a farmer-led seed system. By selecting and saving the best cobs each season, training in compost making, and adopting improved spacing, families have tripled their maize yields. Surplus grain is now sold collectively through a small farmer cooperative, and proceeds are reinvested in the seed bank, school fees and a community grain mill.