Director & Photographer
Uganda, 2017
We were deep in the hills outside Mityana in rural Uganda.
Mary. A farm agent in rural Uganda works with villagers to bring up to date market prices and crop advice so subsistence farmers so they can get the best out of their land and hopefully produce enough to sell.
Working alongside and in women's groups in the area, she can help improve crop yields and provide an income for other independent farmers. A farmer and single mother herself, the additional income from being an agent helps send her kids to school and hopes that one day to afford her a new home where they are rent free.
This beautiful woman sitting on the sofa kindly welcomed us into her home for the day, made sure we were well fed (way better than we can feed ourselves) and showed us the true meaning of hospitality. Living with HIV and losing her husband to the virus 15 years ago, this grandmother welcomed us into her modest 4 room home that sleeps 16. Living with 3 of her own children who lost their husbands to the disease and 9 of her own grandchildren plus others, she is their sole provider. Traditionally a subsistence farmer she has become a leader in her community, banding other women together and pooling their farming efforts to produce enough to sell. Providing farming support, advice and a lot of laughter along the way.
Getting to spend the day with them in the fields, sharing meals and stories was an incredible experience. Shooting these stories can be tough when you have to say goodbye to people who, even if only for a short time, really let you be part of their family.
I am forever blessed to share time with them.