How Access to Water Transformed Hussein Membe and His Family

In Chiuta village, Mtama District Council in Lindi Region, the arrival of clean and safe water through DMDO with the funding from the Grille Foundation has transformed everyday life of communities such as Hussein Membe. For Hussein Membe, his wife and their two children, one in secondary school and the other in primary school, water has become the turning point that reshaped their household and future.

Hussein Membe watering his garden

Hussein Membe’s Journey

With reliable access to clean and safe water close to home, he decided to use this opportunity to engage himself into small scale vegetable farming specifically tomatoes, eggplant, and okra. The garden quickly flourished, providing fresh vegetables for his family and surplus for sale. Moreover, Hussein has other farms dealing with food and cash crops such as cassava and cashew nuts, respectively.

Hussein collecting water from the distribution point.

Family Transformation

Hussein’s family now enjoys fresh vegetables, improving nutrition, and reducing household expenses. Hussein appreciates the savings which help to cover essential household needs such as food, healthcare as well as children’s school requirements.

“The savings from the garden help me to cover school needs for my children and other household expenses.” Hussein shared.

Tomato plants in Hussein’s garden

Small Inputs, Big Results

The family garden began with a small investment: seeds costing $5 and $3 for organic manure. This small start has grown into a sustainable source of food and income. The garden has become particularly important to Hussein Family; it provides an income that not only covers the family’s needs but also allows them to save money.

Looking Ahead

Hussein envisions expanding the family garden further, adopting modern farming techniques and collaborating with government extension officers to boost productivity and family income. With water nearby, he balances his time between the vegetable plot and his other farms, cassava, and cashew.

“Having water close to my home now, I can take care of the garden on time and still focus on cassava and cashew farms.” Hussein says.

Eggplant photo

Lasting Impact

The story of Hussein Membe’s family shows how access to water can unlock opportunity. What began with a small household effort has become a dependable source of food, education, and income. It is a reminder that when families have the right resources, they can turn everyday challenges into lasting prosperity.