In the Tchai-Tchai community near Banhine National Park, Mozambique, Fatima Samuel Mbiza is building a brighter future for her family.
The mother of eight always dreamed of better opportunities but financial struggles once made it difficult. Her youngest son had to herd cattle instead of attending school, and her livestock often wandered into farmers’ fields, causing conflict.
That all changed when she joined Herding for Health. With expert guidance, Fatima’s herd grew from 27 to 36 cattle, and she was able to sell seven, bringing much-needed income to her family. More importantly, her son is now back in school, and she has time to focus on other rural activities.
“I am so grateful for the Herding for Health programme. It has helped me improve my livestock management, and my son is now back in school. The cattle are healthier thanks to the guidance from the technicians, and I have time to focus on my other rural activities,” she says.
Today, Fatima not only feels secure about her family’s future but also hopes to see the programme expand so that more women and young people can benefit.
Herding for Health, a partnership between Conservation International and Peace Parks Foundation, is transforming lives across Africa. With 5,533 farmers benefiting across seven countries, the initiative is restoring 100,000 km² of rangelands, creating healthier livestock, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future.
Read Fatima’s inspiring story here.
