Mildred is a single mother and chairperson of the ward 11 CLDC. Before joining the project Mildred survived on rainfed subsistence agriculture and petty trade generating a monthly income of between USD20 to USD30. Mildred joined the CLDC project as a member and was soon elected as chairperson in defiance of the traditional patriarchal system which does not allow women to hold leadership positions. In Xangani culture a woman cannot occupy leadership positions let alone become the chairperson of a CLDC. This cultural breach was achieved through a combination of training by the project and Mildred’s strong personality and commitment to the project. Mildred received training on community leadership, financial management, record keeping, garlic production, chilies production, chia production, fish farming, poultry production, climate smart agriculture as well as gender justice.

Mildred is one of the adopters who has established a backyard garden where plants various crops depending on the season. In picture one she is harvesting the maize for drying so that it can be pounded to produce the staple maize meal while picture two is harvesting vegetables for the relish to accompany the staple sadza.Through earnings generated from the CLDC activities and sale of small grains produce, Mildred solarized her 1ha backyard garden. She now produces vegetables such as cabbages, garlic, tomatoes, green beans and onions for home consumption and crop sales. Mildred utilizes the solar drier at the CLDC to preserve vegetables for household use during the off-season periods. With a monthly income of between USD100 and USD150 she has disposable income to cover medical cost and school fees for her children. The additional income has assisted her to fence the garden and build a night storage water tank for irrigation. Her current role as CLDC chairperson has enhanced her leadership skills, enabled community recognition, networking, and collaboration.