SEND A COW Zambia Appeal 2011 Cisoni’s Story

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale 43 year Cisoni Mwale lives with his wife and six children in Chiparamba area of Chipata district in the Eastern Provence of Zambia.

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale He is part of the Singakuwi Meat Goat project

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale Before joining Send a Cow Cisoni and his family lived in a one roomed house. They earned less than $150 a year, their crop yields were very small and did not last long. Cisoni was unable to pay school or medical fees for the children and what little food they had, had to be rationed. The family had such low self esteem that they were unable to aspire for, or encourage their children to hope for, a better life. Cisoni and some of his family in front of their old house – this house reminds the family how their life was full of misery

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale In 2006 Cisoni was fortunate to be given 7 goats. In 2008 he passed on some of his livestock and some veterinary supplies to another needy family The family now have 22 goats and sell an average of 5 a year.

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale Cisoni started building his house in 2008 with the money from his first goat sales. This was part of his 3 year plan to improve his life. The family now live in a five roomed house, with well cured bricks and an iron roof.

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale Cisoni and his family are now able to practice Conservation Farming using the manure from their goats. These new techniques have led to increased annual crop yields. The family are now able to produce food all year round. Cisoni is now also able to afford to send his children to school, pay medical fees and farming stock without borrowing from others. Cisoni in his ground nuts and maize field

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale Cisoni and his wife show the difference between maize grown using Conservation Farming with manure and conventional farming that they used to practice.

Zambia Appeal – Cisoni Mwale Cisoni and his family have now gained respect and dignity within their community and their self esteem has returned enabling them to plan for the future. ‘My family will never sleep in a leaking house again because of Send a Cow Zambia.’ Cisoni Mwale