World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

Members of the Kudawashe Group which sews, gardens, produces peanut butter and makes candles as part of a WFP livelihood project. These mothers of disabled children previously received food assistance through WFP's Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programme. Their hand-dyed and painted table cloths are their most profitable activity.

The Kudawashe Group made more 500 candles using this mold last April. Due to the regular power failures in Harare, candles are popular and their candle stock quickly sold out. Customers paid US$1 for three candles.

As part of the WFP project, the Kudawashe Group was given this electric peanut butter machine. In their homes, group members remove peanut shells, roast them, peel off the skin before meeting at a nearby clinic to make the peanut butter. After the jars are filled, members are given several to sell and the profits are divided amongst the group. 

For each handmade skirt sold, the Kudawashe Group earns a US$3 profit. In April, they made some 36 skirts. They also make dresses, table cloths, wall hangings, sheets and shirts.

Jennifer Chidhakwa grows tomatoes on her small plot of land. Each able-bodied member is given a plot which can fit approximately 20 vegetable beds. Other members are growing beans, carrots, cucumber, butternuts and peas.

As well as being good at sewing, Mercy Kasaruro is a keen gardener. She is currently preparing her plot and will plant a mixture of green leafy vegetables to sell at nearby markets.