From a Dreamer to a Thriving Farmer

At 29, Chisomo Davison from Kalungulu Village is living proof that determination, hard work, and opportunity can truly transform lives. Married with two children, Chisomo had always dreamed of becoming a successful farmer, not just one who grows enough to feed his family, but one who could produce surplus to sell, earn income, and achieve some of his lifelong dreams, like owning a motorcycle.

For years, that dream seemed far away. Chisomo faced the same struggles as many small-scale farmers, limited land and expensive farm inputs. Despite his dedication, his harvests were too small to lift his family beyond subsistence.

That changed in the 2024/2025 farming season, when Chisomo joined Orant’s Mwayiwathu Farming Club, a program designed to empower rural families through access to land, farming inputs, and training. Through this initiative, Orant allocates 20 acres of land to support 10 families, giving each 2 acres to grow both food and cash crops. Families are encouraged to plant one acre of maize for food security and another acre of either groundnuts or soybeans for income.

To make farming accessible and sustainable, Orant also provides zero-interest input loans in the form of seeds, fertilizer, and other materials, which farmers repay after harvest. This approach ensures that every farmer uses the support directly for farming.

Chisomo seized the opportunity wholeheartedly. With Orant’s guidance and encouragement, he worked tirelessly and his hard work paid off. His harvest was abundant, far more than he had ever achieved before.

In just one year, Chisomo’s life began to transform. He fulfilled his dream of buying a motorcycle, purchased a piece of land where he plans to build a bigger home, and even bought iron sheets for the roof.

Smiling with gratitude, he shares, “I have even bought a mattress. My family now sleeps comfortably, and I’m happy.”

Beyond farming, Chisomo has diversified his income by starting a tinsmith business, where he makes and repairs watering cans and tins. This side business keeps him earning even during the off-season, helping him provide for his family all year round.

Today, Chisomo confidently says he has enough food to sustain his family until the next farming season. He no longer worries about hunger, only about how far his dreams will take him next.

This Holiday, Orant celebrates Chisomo’s journey. To our generous donors and supporters,  we say thank you. Your continued support makes stories like Chisomo’s possible. Because of you, families are thriving, dreams are being realized, and communities are growing stronger every day.