Iringa is the 5th largest town in the centre of Tanzania. Iringa rural region covers half of this central area and is the poorest in economic and development terms.
Families supported by S.E.E.D. are generally subsistence-farming families who have little or no income of their own. The past year has been particularly harsh for many families who have little or no income of their own, due to the drought, resulting in a large loss of crops.
There are some job opportunities, both in town and in the villages, for educated students. For example tailors, builders and carpenters are required in the villages, whilst more desk based jobs are available in the town for graduates.