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.

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

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, another well was drilled in the remote village of Muungano. Mission 21 installed solar pumps and water tanks in Luhanga, Mabadaga and Muungano. Around 2,300 residents can now be supplied with fresh and clean water. The water is also used to irrigate two tree nurseries in Matebete and Mabadaga as well as demonstration fields in Luhanga, Matebete and Mabadaga. The planting of tree seedlings began at the start of the rainy season in December 2023. "Forest gardens" are being created at two project locations, in which not only trees but also vegetable plants will grow. The existing irrigation system has also increased the harvest yield on existing vegetable fields and increased the income of the women and their families.  

Support our 2024 campaign "Learn from each other, live sustainably" and raise awareness of the topic of ecological sustainability in the global South and in Switzerland in your environment with various hands-on activities. More information: www.mission-21.org/campaign