Written by Paul Bettings.
Sophia’s reason for taking part in training led by World Vision’s ENRICH program was simple: as an active member of her community, she’s always had a desire to develop and learn new ways to help herself and those around her.
The training she received taught her and other women how to plant orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. The twist about this program was its focus on mothers and babies. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, which boosts the body’s immune system. Vitamin A also helps combat night blindness, which can be a problem for children and pregnant mothers and can even lead to total blindness if not properly addressed. In Sophia’s community, Tanzania’s Shinyanga Region, Vitamin A and iron deficiency in pregnant mothers is of particular concern.
Sophie in her field along with her children watering her orange-fleshed sweet potato crops. Photo: Paul Bettings
Because she’s an influencer, Sophia’s efforts to plant and harvest these nutrient-rich sweet potatoes inspired others in the community to follow suit. With their newfound knowledge and improved farming practices, Sophia’s community has been empowered to take their nutrition into their own hands.