The Moth Radio Hour: Farms, Fish Banks, and an Iron Roof
Release Date: April 21, 2015
Host: Sarah Austin Janess
Produced by: Atlantic Public Media

Introduction

In this special episode of The Moth Radio Hour, hosted by Sarah Austin Janess, four compelling stories from experts in global health, agriculture, and environmental conservation take center stage. These storytellers, hailing from Africa and Indonesia, share personal narratives that intertwine professional passions with deeply human experiences. Their journeys illuminate the challenges and triumphs in their respective fields, offering profound insights into food security, education, empathy in activism, and ocean conservation.

1. Lindiwe Majelli Sibanda: From Overweight Advocate to Nutrition Security Champion

Timestamp: [04:41]

Lindiwe Majelli Sibanda, a leading advocate for food and nutrition security in Africa, recounts her transformative journey from embracing Western dietary habits to championing traditional nutrition. Growing up in Zimbabwe, agriculture was in her blood, inspired by her grandmother Mayembe’s dedication to farming and community feeding.

In her pursuit of education, Lindiwe received scholarships to study in Egypt and England. While in England, she indulged in Western foods like hamburgers and soda, leading to significant weight gain. This lifestyle starkly contrasted with her agricultural roots and the nutritional teachings of her Auntie Ellis, who initially supported her traditional diet upon returning to Zimbabwe after marriage.

During a global food security conference in England, Lindiwe faced a moment of public shame when her obesity contradicted her advocacy for improved agricultural productivity in Africa. This experience became a turning point. Upon returning home, Auntie Ellis’s intervention—removing all sugary beverages and enforcing a traditional diet—sparked a dramatic weight loss. Lindiwe's commitment to nutrition security not only transformed her health but also deepened her advocacy efforts.

Notable Quote:

“Every day I wake up to cook for my family with my own hands, to cook my own food. And one thing I know for sure, my grandmother Mayembe is smiling in her grave.”
— Lindiwe Majelli Sibanda [16:46]

Insights & Conclusions:
Lindiwe emphasizes the importance of nutrition security over mere food security, highlighting how traditional diets can combat modern health issues like obesity and diabetes. Her story underscores the profound impact of cultural practices on personal and community health.

2. James Casaga: Building Iron Roofs and Rebuilding Lives in Uganda

Timestamp: [19:08]

James Casaga shares his story of resilience and innovation in rural Uganda. Growing up, James was burdened with responsibilities such as cutting grass for his father's thatched roof, only to have termites destroy it monthly. His father's battle with HIV/AIDS and the subsequent loss of his older brother further compounded his challenges, forcing James to balance education with caregiving.

Inspired by his cousin Stephen’s achievements and contributions to community infrastructure, James transformed his academic success into tangible support for his village. After attaining education in the United States, he returned to Uganda to establish clean water wells and construct durable iron roofs with solar panels for his family and community.

Notable Quote:

“If you can bring back the fish, we will fight again. You bring back the fish, you bring back our hopes.”
— James Casaga [52:47]

Insights & Conclusions:
James's narrative illustrates the interplay between education, personal responsibility, and community development. By addressing basic needs like clean water and stable housing, he empowers his community, demonstrating how individual initiatives can lead to broader societal benefits.

3. Sisanki Msimang Sasanki: Empathy in Activism and Pragmatic Idealism

Timestamp: [28:30]

Sisanki Msimang Sasanki, a writer and human rights activist from South Africa, delves into her experiences working with the United Nations on programs addressing HIV/AIDS. Raised by a father who was a freedom fighter and an accountant mother, Sisanki embodies the “pragmatic idealist” archetype—balancing lofty ideals with practical approaches.

Her story focuses on her relationship with Prudence, an openly lesbian colleague living with HIV, and the profound lessons in empathy and active listening she learned through supporting Prudence's abusive relationship. This encounter reshaped Sisanki’s approach to activism, emphasizing the necessity of truly listening to the lived experiences of those she aims to help.

Notable Quote:

“If I was going to make any kind of impact and if I was going to be the kind of advocate that I wanted to be, ... I needed to listen to the silences.”
— Sisanki Msimang Sasanki [38:14]

Insights & Conclusions:
Sisanki underscores the critical role of empathy in activism. Her realization that listening beyond words to understand the unspoken struggles of others enhances the effectiveness of any advocacy effort.

4. Jensi Sartin: Restoring Bali’s Coral Reefs Through Community Fish Banks

Timestamp: [40:21]

Jensi Sartin, director of the Reef Check Foundation, narrates his efforts to restore Bali’s coral reefs and fish populations through the innovative concept of a "fish bank." Growing up in the rainforests of Borneo, Jensi witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by illegal logging, which fueled his passion for ocean conservation.

Encountering fishermen like Nyoman, whose livelihoods depended on a healthy coral ecosystem, Jensi proposed establishing protected areas where fish could thrive without overfishing. This initiative involved educating local fishermen, integrating traditional ceremonies to honor the fish banks, and ensuring community participation. The result was a successful resurgence of fish populations, validating the fish bank model and restoring hope to the community.

Notable Quote:

“We will create a fish bank. Just like your normal bank where you save your money, our fish bank. Instead of saving money, we will save our fish.”
— Jensi Sartin [40:21]

Insights & Conclusions:
Jensi’s story highlights the power of community-driven solutions in environmental conservation. By blending traditional practices with modern conservation techniques, the fish banks not only revitalized fish populations but also strengthened community bonds and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully intertwines personal narratives with broader themes of sustainability, health, and community empowerment. Each storyteller provides a unique perspective on addressing complex global issues through dedication, empathy, and innovative thinking. Their stories serve as inspiring examples of how individual actions can drive meaningful change in the world.

Final Quote:

“Boy, can they talk.”
— Sisanki Msimang Sasanki [38:14]

This poignant reflection encapsulates the essence of the episode: the profound impact of listening, understanding, and acting with both heart and pragmatism to foster a more just and sustainable world.

For more stories and to pitch your own, visit themoth.org.