Amina, a vendor, endured hardships on a daily basis to make ends meet in Garbatulla town, a quiet community in Isiolo. However, today, her story has taken an inspiring turn because of the Global Food Consortium (GFC) project’s transformative power.
Amina’s journey serves as an inspiration for other vendors as well as an example of her tenacity. She discovered the GFC project via a Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) group, demonstrating the value of community networks in promoting knowledge and constructive change.
“Before the program, I did not have a variety of products in my shop, thus fewer customers and overall sales. People could not find most things under one roof, and this, in turn, led to slow stock movement and limited access to nutritious commodities, making the products expensive,” she recounted.
However, the arrival of the GFC project marked a turning point in Amina’s life. With the project’s goal of ensuring improved food and nutrition security, as well as enhancing community resilience through climate adaptation strategies, Amina received a grant of Kshs.100,000 as a beneficiary. This generous support brought about a remarkable change in her business.
“After the GFC intervention, I have stocked a variety of nutritious products, and I have noticed an increase in sales and customers,” Amina exclaimed with a smile. “There’s a growing demand for these nutritious foods within the community, and I can now serve them better.”
The GFC project’s approach goes beyond financial assistance. It aims to strengthen nutritious food market systems by linking LMVs like Amina with Last Mile Distributors (LMDs). Amina proudly explained how she and her fellow vendors are now connected to an LMD in Maua, who supplies them with the goods they need. This partnership has not only diversified their product range but also streamlined their inventory management. “I can restock the fast-moving products like lentils, cabbages, and tomatoes within a span of one day,” Amina revealed, highlighting the efficiency and impact of the project.
The success story of Amina and her fellow LMVs in Garba town underscores the transformative potential of the GFC project. Through the project’s holistic approach of providing grants, building capacity, raising awareness, and promoting social accountability among vulnerable communities, LMVs like Amina are becoming community champions for nutritious food access and resilience against climate challenges.
As Amina continues to thrive as a Last Mile Vendor, she symbolizes the hope and progress that the GFC project is bringing to communities like Garba town. Through her dedication and the project’s support, the goal of improved food and nutrition security, as well as climate adaptation, is becoming a reality. Amina’s story is a beacon of hope, showing how transformative interventions can change lives and entire communities for the better.
