Willard Nyadoro has eight children and fourteen grandchildren. In 1998, desperate to find good land to support his growing family, he moved to the village of Musanzikwa, Zimbabwe,—even though this meant building his new home on the edge of a minefield.
“The land here is good and fertile, there is the right amount of rain. We grow sorghum and maize, and we keep cattle.”
But 20 years later, the landmines remain, a deadly barrier leaving Willard and the people of Musanzikwa village struggling to survive, as he explains: “We are locked out. It seems like we’re in prison here.”
For rural Zimbabweans, cattle are one of the very few ways families can invest their money. Willard has nine cows but, until the mines are gone, he simply can’t risk increasing the size of his herd.
Willard Nyadoro, Musanzikwa village, Zimbabwe
Every day he needs to take the cows to the borehole to drink, a dangerous journey along a narrow track through the landmines.
“In February this year we lost a bull. It wandered from the track and was blown up. I was looking forward to keeping those cows, and selling them so I could put my grandkids through school.”
But it’s not just the animals that are at risk. The minefields surrounding Muszanikwa village threaten the lives of all who live there.
“The mines affect the people too. A 14-year-old lost his leg not long ago. I have 14 grandchildren – I worry about them when they go to and from school.”
With your support Musansikwa can be cleared of landmines, allowing local families to thrive, not just survive.
Willard Nyadoro, Musanzikwa village, Zimbabwe
Visit our HALO USA website
