Protecting the climate, empowering women: Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania

Project Number: 186.1505

Deforestation, desertification and soil contamination are causing a life-threatening situation for the population of the Mbarali district in Tanzania, which is home to around 300,000 people. 83 percent of the population there work in the agricultural sector; the economy depends on agriculture.

In view of the long-term effects of increased rainfall, the project supports and promotes the planting of trees. The aim of the planting is to improve the microclimate. In addition, soil erosion is to be halted and the groundwater level raised again. By teaching agroforestry skills and putting women in charge of the project, the project promotes an improved livelihood for women, accompanied by health and nutritional benefits.

The project focuses on drought-resistant species that thrive in the hot climate of the Usangu Basin and whose products (leaves or fruit) can be processed and sold. As a result, the women's groups involved also benefit economically.

Background information

In the Usangu Basin in Tanzania's Mbarali District, deforestation is contributing to desertification in the semi-arid area and threatening river water supplies. This in turn has far-reaching implications for the natural ecology and hydropower supply of the region. Increasing population pressure in the region and the attractiveness of rice and groundnuts as cash crops have led to intensification of agricultural production by smallholder farmers. The use of agricultural chemicals leads to soil contamination. This pollution of the environment further worsens living conditions. Most of the agriculture practiced depends on rainfall. Drought, exacerbated by deforestation, creates food insecurity and health problems, especially for women and children.

Project goals

The promotion of ecological agroforestry is important for the Mbarali district and its inhabitants for the following reasons:

Prevention of soil erosion and siltation of the water infrastructure.
Cooling of the microclimate and shading options.
Increase in groundwater recharge.
Protection of the river catchment area for natural ecology and hydroelectricity.
Increased income for project participants through increased agricultural and forestry production.
Development of organic agricultural production for the export of crops through increased local availability of agroforestry knowledge.

This enables us to pursue the following goals:

Improved access to a stable and clean water supply in the Mbarali district, especially in the villages of Mabadaga, Matebete, Luhanga and Muungano.
Protection of the environment through the cultivation and planting of different tree species
Economic empowerment of women's groups and their families

Target group

193 Women from Sukuma and Masai ethnic groups in organized groups
40 multipliers from parishes and politics
Around 3000 people benefit indirectly from a safe drinking water supply

Activities

Agroecological training in the Massai and Sukuma communities
Construction and expansion of water infrastructure (solar wells, tanks, pipelines)
Establishment of tree nurseries and demonstration areas
Planting heat-resistant tree varieties
Sensitization of the population by trained key persons in order to increase the demand for seedlings and tree products. This raises awareness of agroecology and the importance of tree planting
Study tours for key people in organic farming to increase demand for organic farming inputs in the region

Project progress

Last year, two wells were drilled in remote villages and equipped with tanks and solar pumps. Five locations now have a reliable supply of clean drinking water for around 3,500 inhabitants. The water is also used to irrigate tree nurseries in Matebete, Mabadaga and Muungano as well as demonstration fields in Luhanga, Matebete and Mabadaga. At the start of the rainy season in December 2023, work began on planting tree seedlings, which have developed very well as the tree varieties are well adapted to the dry climate. "Forest gardens" were created at all five project locations, in which not only trees but also vegetable plants grow. The existing irrigation also increased the harvest yield on existing vegetable fields and provided an increase in income for the women and their families. There are a total of ten women's groups with 220 members at the five project locations. They receive agroecological training and are closely supported in the implementation of the project.

Donations