A Journey of Growth and Climate Resilience. The Story of Sarah Peter – Community Member and Mother of Six, Arusha Region
My name is Sarah Peter, and I am a proud mother of six remarkable children. Like many women in my community, I have faced numerous challenges in trying to sustain my family, particularly in the face of recurring droughts, rising food prices, and limited economic opportunities. Despite these hardships, I now speak with confidence and optimism that life has changed for the better.
This transformation began when I participated in a climate change awareness training conducted by the Pastoral Women’s Council (PWC). Prior to the training, I had limited understanding of the link between environmental changes and the difficulties we faced as a community. I viewed poor harvests and dry seasons as bad luck and not natural occurrences. Through the training, I came to understand that these are visible signs of climate change and, more importantly, that there are actions we can take to adapt, reduce our vulnerability, and build resilience.
Equipped with new knowledge, I took practical steps. I began planting fruit-bearing trees around my homestead. These trees are now flourishing, helping to restore soil fertility, provide shade, and bear fruits that we consume or sell in the local market. They have become natural barriers against strong winds and help retain precious moisture in the soil. I now see these trees not only as a means of survival, but as a long-term investment in my family’s wellbeing and the sustainability of our entire community.
Motivated by the training, I also established a small business, selling essential food items such as beans, rice, sugar, and cooking oil to my neighbours. The income I generate, although modest, has enabled me to purchase school supplies and uniforms, and to cover transport costs when needed. As a result, I am proud to say that all six of my children are now enrolled in school, something I consider one of my greatest achievements.
Education holds deep meaning for me. I never had the opportunity to complete school myself, and I am determined to ensure that my children have access to better prospects. Beyond the tangible benefits of income and food security, the greatest shift has been internal. I now feel confident, informed, and capable of leading change, not just in my household, but in my community.
The support I received from PWC went far beyond technical training. It has helped me to realize that women like me have a voice, and that our voices matter in conversations about climate change, poverty, and gender equality. I am grateful to PWC for recognizing the potential in women and investing in our growth not just as mothers or workers, but as leaders.
What I have achieved is just the beginning. I now share what I have learnt with other women in my village, encouraging them to take action, support each other, and contribute to building a resilient, self-reliant, and empowered community, for ourselves, and for the next generation.
