Development Starts at Home: Rev. Emma’s Story
To strengthen the capacity of local development leaders, CBM is supporting a two-year capacity building project for project coordinators from partner churches across Africa. The first training session took place in Embu, Kenya, focusing on project cycle management and conservation agriculture. Among the participants was Rev. Nyambura E.M., a pastor with the Africa Christian Church and Schools.
What Rev. Emma learned during the training did not stay in the classroom. Inspired by a visit to a local project site, she committed herself to putting the lessons into practice at home. One idea stood out in particular, the kitchen garden.
“I had heard about kitchen gardens before in Embu, but I did not really understand how they worked,” Pastor Emma shared. “After visiting the project, I decided to try it myself, starting with a small space at home.”
The results quickly surprised her. The kitchen garden required very little land and was conveniently located near the house. It provided greater food variety for her family and proved resilient, producing consistently with minimal water and across seasons. Encouraged by the first harvest, Emma expanded the garden with the help of her children.
Through this experience, her understanding of development deepened. “I now truly believe that development has to start at home,” she said. “Because I have seen it work in my own life, I feel confident sharing about kitchen gardens and conservation agriculture with my neighbours.”
Pastor Emma is grateful for the opportunity. She thanks her church for selecting her to participate in the training and CBM for making it possible. Her story reflects how practical learning, when applied locally, can lead to meaningful and lasting change that begins at home and spreads outward into the community.
