September 11, 2025
News
Farming in the face of recurring droughts is never easy. For Minga, a 33-year-old single mother of three living in Meheba, the struggle to feed her family became even harder as climate change brought unpredictable rainfall and repeated crop failures. Despite these challenges, with support from Caritas Czech Republic, she has been able to turn her small farm into a thriving business that provides both food and income for her family.
Turning struggle into resilience
Born in Zambia to Angolan parents, Minga grew up with farming as a way of life. But when she married, her hopes for stability were shattered by an abusive relationship that eventually ended in divorce. Left to care for her three children on her own, she turned to farming to survive.
“I started farming just to put food on the table,” Minga recalls. “It was the only way I could ensure my children had something to eat.”
She began by planting vegetables, beans, and maize, and selling dry fish at the local market to make ends meet. But as the droughts worsened, her harvests failed, leaving her with little to feed her family.
Support from Caritas Czech Republic
In 2023, Minga’s life began to change. Caritas Czech Republic supported her and many other farmers in Meheba with nutrition-dense sweet potato vines, iron and zinc-rich beans, and even a bicycle to help with her farming activities. She also benefitted from the installation of solar-powered irrigation pumps, which now provide her group with reliable access to water year-round.
“With the irrigation, we can finally grow crops even when there is no rain,” Minga explains. “The beans and sweet potatoes have improved our meals at home, and I can also sell some for extra income.”
Thanks to the support, Minga has moved beyond farming for survival—she is now running a small business that sustains her family. The sweet potatoes and beans not only provide vital nutrients but also generate income that helps her pay for her children’s needs.
“Caritas has helped me overcome many challenges,” she says with a smile. “Now I know my children can look forward to a better future.”
Caritas Czech Republic is empowering farmers to thrive
Across Zambia, Caritas Czech Republic is working with small-scale farmers like Minga to build climate resilience and improve livelihoods. By providing access to improved seeds, irrigation systems, and training, we are enabling families to overcome the challenges of climate change and secure food and income.
Thanks to this support, many farmers in refugee settlements and host communities are now able to grow food year-round, strengthen their nutrition, and create a more stable future for their children.
