How Milos and Tereza Broke the Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty Through Irrigation Technology

For many of the farmers Africa Windmill Project works with, poverty is a multi-generational reality. They grew up with little food and fewer resources, battling malnutrition during the dry seasons of their childhood. The cycle continues with their own children.

Milos Tembo’s father died when he was twelve. Raised afterward by his mother, he remembers nothing but poverty in his childhood. When Milos and Tereza married in 2006, they struggled to support their family. However, in 2015, their lives diverged from that of their parents when they were introduced to Africa Windmill Project. 

Initially, Africa Windmill Project taught them farming techniques and household budgeting. Provided with a rope-and-washer pump, the yields from their crops increased significantly. For the first time they were able to afford basic needs, like food.

But that was just the beginning. When Africa Windmill Project staff recognized Milos and Tereza were hard-working and determined, they provided the family with a windmill. At that point, life was transformed for the Tembo family. 

• After the first year with the windmill, they had enough profits from farming to invest in livestock and purchase a motorbike. 

• In the second year, they built a house with a roof made from iron sheets instead of straw.

• Last year, Milos constructed a new house for his mother. 

• Their goal for next year is to buy a car.

The cycle of intergenerational poverty in Malawi can be broken. For Milos and Tereza, and many others like them, appropriate irrigation technology can make all the difference!

Milos and Tereza Tembo with their children

The Tembo family’s motorbike