A Climate Champion from Mairowa, Longido. The Story of Neema Sekei – Mother, Farmer, and Community Advocate
My name is Neema Sekei, and I live in Mairowa village, Longido District. I am a proud mother of four beautiful children. Although I am married, my husband relocated to Dar es Salaam some time ago, leaving me solely responsible for raising and providing for our children. For a long time, life was incredibly difficult. Managing a household and ensuring the basic needs of four children on my own often left me feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.
Everything began to change when I was given the opportunity to attend a training session facilitated by the Pastoral Women’s Council (PWC). The training focused on climate change awareness and environmental conservation. It was an eye-opening experience that helped me connect the dots between the changing environment and the daily struggles we face in our community.
Empowered by the knowledge I had gained, I decided to take action, both for the sake of my children and for the land that sustains us. I began planting fruit trees, including oranges, avocados, and pawpaws, around my home. What started as a small effort soon turned into a flourishing garden. These trees now serve multiple purposes: they conserve soil moisture, enhance the greenery of my compound, and most importantly, provide nutritious fruits for my children. I am proud to say that I no longer rely solely on the market for fruit. And in the near future, I plan to sell the surplus to generate income for the household.
Seeing my children enjoy fresh fruit harvested from our garden fills me with pride, hope, and purpose. The helplessness I once felt has been replaced by confidence. That one training session was a turning point as it gave me the knowledge and the courage to transform both my mindset and my environment.
Inspired by this transformation, I also established a small business, selling essential foodstuffs such as sugar, rice, and cooking oil within my village. The business has grown steadily, and the income I earn now helps me pay for school fees, uniforms, and other daily expenses for my children. What once seemed impossible is now a reality: I can care for my family with dignity and independence.
I am deeply grateful to PWC for planting this seed of change in my life. What I have gained is more than economic benefit- I have gained direction, self-belief, and a renewed sense of agency. Today, members of my community have taken notice. Some even approach me for advice and mentorship, something I never imagined would happen.
I now consider myself not just a mother and a pastoralist, but a climate resilience champion and a role model for other women in Mairowa. I truly believe that even in the face of adversity, women have the power to rise, lead, and protect both their families and the environment.
