FSPN Africa Tanzania: GRP and Munich Re Foundation Engage with Smallholder Farmers During their CAFAESUP Project Visit in Kiutu Ward.

In July 2024, representatives from the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the Munich Re Foundation made a significant visit to Kiutu Ward in the Arusha District Council to observe the ongoing activities of the Carbon Farming for Environmental Sustainability and Profitability (CAFAESUP) project. This visit was not only an opportunity to witness firsthand the project's impact but also to engage with local smallholder farmers, understand their farming practices, and explore how they benefit from the project and what they hope to achieve in the future.

The visit commenced with a meeting with local leaders, including Mr Godwin Mbesere, the Chairperson of Oligilai Village, the Village Executive Officer, and the Village Executive Council, along with elders and representatives from various smallholder farmer groups. Among these were the Kumok Farmers Group, Changamkeni Women Group, and Naurei Youth Group—each playing a pivotal role in the community's agricultural landscape.

The FSPN team, accompanied by the GRP and Munich Re Foundation representatives, began by signing the visitors' book, marking their presence in this vibrant community. The initial meeting set the stage for the day's activities, as the leaders and farmer group representatives discussed which farms and groups to visit first. The local leaders expressed their excitement and appreciation for the ongoing support, recognizing the potential impact of the CAFAESUP project on their communities.

Engagement with Kumok Farmers Group: A Commitment to Environmental Conservation

The first stop was with the Kumok Farmers Group, a collective of over 60 members primarily involved in cultivating food crops such as bananas, maize, and vegetables. The group's Chairperson, Mr. Joseph Sumayan, warmly welcomed the visitors and provided an insightful background on the group’s activities. He explained that Kumok was established with a focus on environmental conservation, and they were particularly drawn to the CAFAESUP project due to its dual emphasis on farming and environmental conservation.

Mr Sumayan articulated the group's vision, "Finally, we will protect our environment and have something on top of our table and in our pockets." This sentiment resonated deeply with the group members, who have long sought to balance productive farming with sustainable practices.

The visitors were then taken to farms where regenerative practices were implemented, including a local innovation that uses harvested and processed cow urine as an organic fertilizer. Mr. Sumayan proudly showcased his vegetable garden where he has embarrassed intercropping at his home. He grows African leafy vegetables and green beans, which have become a reliable source of income for his household.

As they toured the farms owned by Kumok members in Oligilai Village, the farmers expressed their appreciation for the support and recognition. One member enthusiastically remarked, "Leo sisi ndio nyota hapa kijijini, na watajiunga tu," which translates to, "Today, we are the superstars in the village, and everyone will join our group." The pride and optimism were palpable, signaling a strong sense of community empowerment.

Changamkeni Women Group: Empowering Women Through Sustainable Farming

The next stop was a meeting with the Changamkeni Women Group, a collective of 24 active members in Naurei Hamlet. This group supports each other in farming activities and provides social and income support through a savings and loan scheme. The women primarily farm organic bananas, maize, beans, and arrowroots, all cultivated using sustainable practices.

During a roundtable discussion, the women shared their experiences and the transformative impact that new knowledge has had on their farming practices. They expressed their eagerness to apply the knowledge they would receive on carbon farming and regenerative agriculture. The group's Chairlady, Ms. Upendo Joanes, highlighted the importance of these practices, stating, "The money we will get from the carbon will help us have food for our families and take our kids to school, and will reduce taking loans from the group."

The women’s group underscored the critical role that women play in farming and household management in their community. Their commitment to adopting sustainable practices and improving their soil health was evident, and they voiced their optimism about the potential benefits of the CAFAESUP project.

Naurei Youth Group: Harnessing the Power of Youth for Sustainable Agriculture

The visit concluded with a meeting with the Naurei Youth Group, a dynamic group of 18 young farmers who focus on the production of short-term food crops such as onions, tomatoes, cabbages, and eggplants. The conversation revolved around the youth’s preference for short-term crops, which allowed them to see quick returns on their labour. Many of the group members balance farming with other income-generating activities, such as working as "bodaboda" (motorcycle taxi) operators.

The youth expressed keen interest in adopting regenerative practices, recognizing that improved soil health would provide long-term benefits. They were particularly excited about the potential to earn additional income through the sale of carbon credits. Mr Luka Lengoje, the group’s secretary, summed up their enthusiasm by stating, "These are the kind of projects fitting us, the youth, because imagine you get knowledge, food, and money from selling produce and carbon. This will change our lives."

A Day of Learning and Shared Vision

The visit concluded with words of gratitude from the local leaders, farmer groups, and the visiting teams from FSPN, GRP, and the Munich Re Foundation. The day was marked by a strong sense of shared vision and commitment to sustainable development. The interactions provided invaluable insights into the farmers' needs, challenges, and aspirations, reinforcing the importance of community-driven approaches to agricultural and environmental sustainability.

As the CAFAESUP project continues to unfold, the support and engagement of stakeholders like GRP and Munich Re Foundation will be instrumental in ensuring its success. The visit to Kiutu Ward not only highlighted the progress made so far but also set the stage for future collaborations aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through regenerative agriculture and carbon farming.

The day ended on a hopeful note, with farmers, local leaders, and project partners all looking forward to the positive changes that the CAFAESUP project will bring to their communities.

For more information contact, info@fspnafrica.org