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Finally, I must acknowledge as well all my in-laws and their families, who have been supportive of me over the years. My special gratitude and deep appreciation is due to them for their friendship, hospitality, and kindness that have supported and encouraged me during my fieldwork in the Bariadi district. Special thanks to all my friends and relatives for their encouragements. I am also thankful to Patricia Biermayr-Jenzano for her support, great inspiration, and constant encouragement. I certainly could not have accomplished all that without them.
A special feeling of gratitude also goes to my brothers Kizito, Fabian, Michael, Frank, and Gabriel, and my sisters Sapiencia and Immaculate, who have consistently helped me keep perspective on what is important in life and shown me how to deal with reality. I could not have completed this book without their support, patience, prayers, and love. My special thanks to my grandparents late Chief Limbe Mwinula, Sophia Sungo, Nhindili, and Bada Kuchibanda, my aunties and uncles for their good-natured forbearance with the process, and for their pride in this accomplishment. It was a team effort!
This book is dedicated to the memories of my beloved late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Snatus and Specioza Kuchibanda for instilling in me the values of hard work, a good attitude and persistence, for inspiration to set high goals and the confidence to achieve them, and for stressing the value of education. Their love, concern, and pride in my work were always a major source of strength to me. Their encouragement, support, and personal sacrifices made an everlasting impression on my life. I am humbled by their commitment to raise me, because the real wisdom and ability to write this book originated from them.
I also dedicate this book to my husband Ephraim and to my children Minza, Mhoja, and Kija who have been so proud and supportive of my work, and who have shared the many uncertainties, challenges, and sacrifices for completing this book. I am extremely appreciative of their unconditional love, understanding, prayers, support, and patience which always gave me strength to carry on with writing this book. I give my deepest expression of love and appreciation for the encouragement that they gave me and the sacrifices they made during the course of writing this book. Thank you all for your support. You are a part of every page, every line, and every thought. Ng’wabeja sana!