In the heart of Igalukilo Ward, Tanzania, lies the village of Mwamjulila, home to Lukuba J. Yankilo, a Smallscale farmer who has witnessed the power of collective action through Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM).

Before the Boresha Kilimo project, a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers, Lukuba, like many others, faced the disheartening reality of unequal distribution of agricultural inputs. Denied access to essential tools like knapsack sprayers due to financial constraints, his hopes for a bountiful harvest dwindled.

However, the Boresha Kilimo project, implemented by FODEO and funded by The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS), ignited a spark of empowerment within Lukuba and his fellow farmers. Through the project's social accountability monitoring (SAM) approach, they were equipped with the knowledge and tools to demand their rightful access to agricultural inputs.

Lukuba, along with the village's SAM representative, courageously raised their voices against the unjust distribution practices. Their unwavering determination and collaboration with the SAM team caught the attention of local leaders, who were compelled to address the issue.

As a result of their collective efforts, Lukuba and his fellow farmers finally received the knapsack sprayers they so desperately needed. This victory marked a turning point, not only for Lukuba's livelihood but also for the village as a whole.

Empowered by their success, Lukuba and his fellow farmers have become vigilant advocates for their rights, ensuring that the procedures for distributing agricultural inputs are adhered to. They have also established a direct line of communication with the district's department of agriculture and other relevant authorities, ensuring that their concerns are addressed promptly.

Lukuba's story is a testament to the transformative power of social accountability monitoring and the importance of empowering smallholder farmers to demand their rights. It highlights the crucial role of organizations like FODEO and FCS in fostering an environment of transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector.

• Prev