Bernadette Nyabenda: Advancing Livelihoods Through Agriculture and Savings.
Bernadette Nyabenda, a refugee woman farmer, expresses her deep appreciation for the work of Shared Action Africa (SAA) in empowering women through financial literacy and agricultural training. With SAA’s support, women in her community have acquired valuable skills in savings and modern farming techniques, significantly improving their livelihoods and household food security.
“We appreciate Shared Action Africa for teaching us, women, how to save and develop ourselves,” Bernadette says. “With the knowledge we acquired, we began saving. After completing one savings cycle, we moved on to another. This practice has greatly enhanced our financial stability and allowed us to invest in better farming methods.”
One of the key lessons provided by Shared Action Africa focused on the proper planting of staple crops like maize and beans using line-spacing techniques. This approach has not only improved crop yields but also enhanced the quality of the harvest. In addition, the women were trained to establish kitchen gardens, which now provide a reliable source of fresh vegetables for their households. These gardens are carefully structured to grow a variety of crops in designated sections, ensuring consistent access to nutritious food.
“Our kitchen gardens are now of high quality, and we can access vegetables without any difficulty,” Bernadette explains. “Being able to grow different crops in various sections has improved both our nutrition and overall well-being.”
Beyond planting, the women also received training in post-harvest handling—an essential component of sustainable farming. They learned how to properly sort and store seeds by separating dried seeds from undried ones. This technique helps preserve seed quality and ensures readiness for future planting seasons.
SAA also introduced innovative, cost-effective methods for seed preservation. Using polythene bags and improved granary storage systems, the women are now able to protect their harvests from pests and spoilage. These practices have drastically reduced post-harvest losses and helped secure food reserves for the next planting cycle.
“Thanks to Shared Action Africa, we now know how to store our seeds and preserve our harvests properly,” Bernadette adds. “This knowledge has helped us reduce waste and maintain food security in our households.”
Through these initiatives, Shared Action Africa continues to transform the lives of refugee women farmers, equipping them with the tools they need to become self-reliant and economically empowered. The training has improved agricultural productivity, fostered financial independence, and strengthened the resilience of the community.