Protecting the climate, empowering women: Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania

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.

Justification and effectiveness of the agricultural project in the Mbarali district

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 5,000 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 of 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

In 2025, another well was drilled and equipped with tanks and solar pumps. A reliable supply of clean drinking water is now guaranteed at six locations for a total of around 5300 inhabitants. The water is also used as a source of drinking water for livestock and to irrigate tree nurseries and demonstration fields. The tree varieties selected for reforestation are well adapted to the dry climate and improve soil quality.

At all six project locations, «forest gardens» were created in which not only trees but also vegetable plants grow. The existing irrigation also increased the harvest yield on existing vegetable fields and increased the income of the women and their families. There are a total of twelve women's groups with 250 members at the six project locations. The women are trained in agroecology and closely supported in the implementation of the project.

For the first time, products such as tea and soap could be made from the seeds of the Moringa trees at two locations, which were quickly sold out. In addition, new plants could be grown from their own seeds.