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 light of the long-term effects of irregular rainfall, the project supports and promotes tree planting. The goal of these plantings is to improve the microclimate. In addition, this is intended to curb soil erosion and raise the groundwater level again. By imparting knowledge of agroforestry and placing women in leadership roles within the project, the initiative promotes improved livelihoods for women, along with 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 fruits) can be processed and sold. This also provides economic benefits to the participating women’s groups and their families.

Background information

In the Usangu Basin in Tanzania’s Mbarali District, climate change and deforestation are contributing to desertification in this semiarid region. This also threatens the region’s river water supply. This, in turn, has far-reaching consequences for the region’s natural ecology and its supply of hydropower.

The region’s increasingly high population density and the appeal of rice and peanuts as cash crops have led smallholder farming families to intensify their agricultural production. The use of agricultural chemicals is causing soil contamination. This environmental pollution further worsens living conditions. Most of the farming in the region is rain-fed. Droughts and severe flooding—exacerbated by deforestation—are causing food insecurity and health problems.

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.
Providing residents and their livestock with clean drinking water
Increased income for project participants through increased agricultural and forestry production.
Development of sustainable agricultural production for the local market.

Project Objectives:

Improved access to a stable and clean water supply in Mbarali District at six project sites to date. Plans are in place to add another site in 2026.
Protection of the environment through the cultivation and planting of different tree species
Economic Empowerment of Women's Groups Through the Establishment of Savings and Loan Groups
Improved Nutrition for Participating Families

Target group

240 Sukuma and Masai women
40 multipliers from parishes and politics
More than 5,000 people benefit indirectly from a safe drinking water supply and a more balanced diet.

Activities

Agroecological training in the Massai and Sukuma communities
Construction and expansion of water infrastructure (solar-powered wells, tanks, pipes) and watering troughs for livestock
Establishment of tree nurseries and demonstration areas
Planting heat-resistant tree varieties and creating vegetable gardens
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 figures in organic agriculture, aimed at professional development and the further advancement of the project

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.

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