All News (Page 42)

Mvomero, Tanzania — In the scorching sun of Mikese village in Tanzania’s eastern Mvomero district, 31-year-old Maria Naeku tirelessly tends to her small vegetable patch. Each time she pulls a weed, the red soil stains her hands as she guides the trickle of water from a maze of pipes through an elevated bed to nurture her plants. In a drought-stricken area, Naeku’s small garden is a lifeline for her family, giving them food and income.

“When the drought hit, our cattle died, and we couldn’t get milk for the children,” Naeku says. “I knew I had to find a way to feed my family, so I had to grow vegetables.”

The drip irrigation technique, where a network of pipes with tiny holes spit water directly to the plant in a split second, was new to her but she tried. “I didn’t know how if tiny drops of water could nourish the crops,” she says. “But when I saw green leaves sprouting from the soil, I knew I had a brighter future.”

Naeku’s quickly became an expert, her success inspired other women across the village to follow her lead. The Maasai, traditionally, known for cattle rearing–a symbol of wealth and security are increasingly adopting climate-smart farming to cope with drought as rains have become erratic due to climate change. Women like Naeku, who once depended entirely on these herds, have been forced to adopt innovative farming techniques to survive.

Shattering the Patriarchy

In Maasai culture, men have long held the reins of power, with women relegated to the roles of caregivers and homemakers. Decision-making, particularly in land and livestock matters, has traditionally been the exclusive domain of men. However, the severe droughts have shifted these dynamics. With their cattle dwindling and their families hungry, Maasai women have begun to step into roles once reserved for men, embracing climate-smart agriculture as an alternative means of survival.

“We are no longer just caretakers of our families,” says 34-year-old Nasarian Lengai, a mother of five who has become a local champion for horticulture farming at Mikese. “We are decision-makers who are shaping the future of our community.”

Initially skeptical, Lengai strongly believe in horticulture using organic farming practices. “When I first heard about these methods, I didn’t think they’d work for us,” she says. “But after seeing how much better my crops are now, I’m sure this is the right way to go.”

For centuries, the Maasai have relied on cattle for their food–milk, meat, and even blood. Switching to farming was a big change from their old ways.

“We used to believe that having many cattle was the only way to keep wealth and ensure security,” says Esuvat Joseph, who leads the Tupendane Maasai women’s group at Mikese village. “But now we understand that we need to cope with drought. We’ve learned to keep fewer cattle and focusing more on farming.”

Tupendane group has also embraced water conservation techniques, constructing ground reservoirs to collect rainwater. “This water is very important,” she explains. “We use it for irrigation when the rivers dry up.”

Climate-smart Solutions

The Maasai women’s adoption of climate-smart agriculture is not just a response to immediate needs but a strategy for long-term resilience. Through initiatives supported by the Norwegian Church Aid–an international charity–these women are learning to diversify their income sources, reducing their dependence on livestock and embracing sustainable horticulture practices.

“We’re teaching these women how to make the most of their small plots of land,” explains Oscar John, the program manager with Norwegian Church Aid. “By diversifying their income sources, they’re less dependent on livestock, which is increasingly vulnerable to drought.”

Conservation agriculture, a key component of this initiative, promotes sustainable farming techniques that improve soil health and increase crop yields without depleting natural resources.

For the women of Mvomero, this has been a divine plan. They are learning to grow drought-resistant crops, rotate their fields, and use organic fertilizers, all of which contribute to better crop yields.

As more women embrace climate-smart agriculture, the ripple effects are being felt in neighboring villages, as women once skeptical of these new methods, are now seeing the success in Mvomero and beginning to learn these practices in their own drought-stricken lands.

Empowerment in Action

The shift from livestock to crop farming has had a huge impact on the social dynamics within the Maasai community. Women, who were once sidelined in decision-making processes, are now taking the lead in managing their families’ resources. This newfound empowerment is improving their social and economic status while challenging the patriarchal norms that have long defined their society.

“We’ve always been made to believe that men are the decision-makers,” says Lengai. “But now we’re showing that women can lead too. We can take care of our families and make better decisions.”

This sense of empowerment is evident in the way the women of Mvomero approach their work. They are tending to their crops and building a future where their voices are heard and their contributions are valued. The construction of rainwater harvesting systems, for example, is a task that these women have taken on with pride. “We don’t wait for our husbands to do it; we build these reservoirs ourselves,” says Joseph. “It’s our way of showing that we can take care of ourselves.”

The men in the community are recognizing the shifting gender roles, and some of them are starting to appreciate the benefits of shared decision-making. While resistance remains, the success of these women is slowly changing attitudes. As the benefits of climate-smart agriculture become more apparent, more men are joining their wives in these efforts, working together to secure a better future for their families.

Challenges on the Horizon

The transition from livestock to crop farming is not without its difficulties, particularly for a community that has long measured wealth by the size of its herds. “There are still some who resist change,” admits Joseph. “They see farming as a lesser occupation compared to cattle herding. But as more of us succeed, the mindset is shifting.”

The path to fully accepting these new practices is slow, and the women of Mvomero know their success is just the start. They face many challenges ahead, including the risk of drought and strong cultural norms that shape gender roles in Maasai society.

But the women are strong. They know that their efforts are not just to overcome the on-going crisis but also about creating a better future for their children.

“We are planting the seeds of change,” says Naeku. “Our daughters will grow up knowing that they can be anything they want to be. They will see that women can lead, that we can innovate, and that we can solve any problems.”

A Model for the Future

The success of the Maasai women in Mvomero is beginning to attract attention from other drought-hit areas in Tanzania. Development organizations and government agencies are taking note of the community’s innovative approach and exploring ways to replicate it in other regions facing similar challenges.

“We see this as a model that can be adapted and implemented in other parts of the country,” says John. “The key is to empower communities, particularly women, to take control of their resources and livelihoods. When people are given the tools and knowledge they need, they can achieve incredible things.”

As Maasai women in pastoral communities make progress, they are not only securing their own future but also creating a stronger and fairer society. Their journey shows determination, innovation, and empowerment–a true example of women’s strength in overcoming challenges.

In Tanzania’s Maasai steppe, where the future of pastoral communities is uncertain, these women are showing that with the right support, even the most marginalized can overcome their problem and lead a better life.

IPS UN Bureau Report

Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

Arusha — Helios Tower Tanzania and Camara Education Tanzania have donated computers through their “Connect the Unconnected” community programme to facilitate modern teaching methods to students, especially in rural areas.

The donations were made at Endevesi Secondary School in Oljoro Ward, Arusha Rural District with the aim of promoting educational development through Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in the country’s education sector.

Inaugurating the computer laboratory at the school, the Chairperson of Arusha Rural District Council, Mr Ojungu Salekwa said that the computer lab will help in facilitating teaching methods for students at school.

“The goal of this computer lab is to simplify learning methods and techniques, saving time for both students and teachers, it also brings them closer to the world of technology in the entire learning system,” said Mr Salekwa.

Helios Tower Tanzania Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gwakisa Stadi said that the aim of availing computer labs is to connect students from pastoralist communities.

“We connect these communities that mostly are in remote areas in Tanzania so that they can access various digital opportunities resulting from the advancements in global science and technology,” said Mr Stadi.

On his part, Director of Camara Education Tanzania, Dayani Mbowe asked other companies and institutions to continue investing in education, especially ICT to ensure the new generation is kept abreast with the scientific and technological changes that occur in the world.

ALSO READ: USA commends Tanzania for leveraging ICT to drive development

“We are here at Endevesi Secondary School with great joy today, ensuring that even schools in remote areas receive ICT services in education. We have provided 26 computers, a smart TV, and a projector,” said Mr Mbowe.

The Headteacher of the school, Godson Sukrueti, said that the project was beneficial to both teachers and students as it would solve the previous challenge of accessing books at the school.

Furthermore, one of the students, Mwanahamisi Rajab, expressed her gratitude to the donors for providing the equipment.

She said it will assist them in their studies.

Another student, Daud Lashine said that due to the shortage of books at the school, the equipment will help them access books online and improve their learning progress.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

NEW YORK: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa represented President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the opening ceremony of the Summit of the Future as part of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sunday.

This year’s UNGA is a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Tanzania expected to raise awareness about its clean cooking initiative among nations worldwide.

At last year’s UNGA78, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts to foster global solidarity and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

He called for urgent collective efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing mitigation and adaptation measures.

Dr Mpango highlighted the alarming findings of the latest Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, indicating that the world is off-track to meet the 1.5-degree Celsius limit established in the Paris Agreement–a legally binding international treaty adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) on December 12, 2015.

The 79th UNGA comes at a pivotal moment for Tanzania, which is implementing tangible initiatives for climate restoration, including the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.

This ten-year plan, launched by President Samia in May, is set to cost 4.6tri/- and aims to increase clean cooking energy usage from the current 10 per cent to 80 per cent by 2034.

Notably, during COP28 in Dubai, President Dr Samia launched the Africa Women Clean Cooking Support Programme (AWCCSP), advocating for clean cooking across the continent.

She emphasised that clean cooking energy is vital for climate change mitigation and inclusive sustainable development in Africa.

At UNGA79, Prime Minister Majaliwa is expected to highlight Tanzania’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment through the adoption of clean cooking practices.

ALSO READ: Tanzania pushes for Microfinance support in clean cooking initiative

He attended the opening ceremony alongside Heads of Government from approximately 193 countries and was scheduled to convey greetings from the Tanzanian government.

The summit’s agenda includes discussions on trade, energy, economic development, the environment and issues concerning youth and children, as well as the impact of climate change.

Before the opening ceremony, Mr Majaliwa met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss cooperation between Tanzania and the UN. They addressed various topics related to defence, security and socio-political development.

In a media briefing after his discussion with Guterres, Mr Majaliwa stated that they focused on improving citizens’ living standards by enhancing the availability of social services.

He also mentioned that Guterres commended Tanzania’s historical role in supporting the liberation of several African nations, particularly those in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Currently, our country continues to provide security support to several SADC and EAC nations,” Mr Majaliwa noted. He expressed gratitude for Guterres’s acknowledgment of Tanzania’s contributions to peace and security on the continent.

Furthermore, Mr Majaliwa informed the UN Secretary-General about the upcoming local elections in Tanzania, scheduled for November, as well as the general election next year. He assured Guterres of the government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens can participate in the democratic process.

In promoting regional peace, Guterres praised Tanzania’s efforts in restoring stability in Burundi, particularly its role in receiving refugees during past conflicts. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing political stability in Burundi and encouraged the repatriation of refugees to their home country.

On the eve of UNGA79, Former Energy and Minerals Minister Professor Sospeter Muhongo, now a Member of Parliament for Musoma Rural, expressed optimism that Tanzania would advance its interests in executing the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.

“I believe all nations will recognise Tanzania’s tireless efforts to transition to clean cooking, as this transformative strategy is aligned with the global SDGs,” Professor Muhongo told the Daily News.

International Relations Analyst Mr Medard Wilfred, based at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), emphasised that Tanzania’s clean cooking initiatives would attract global attention. He noted that the strategy is essential for protecting the ozone layer from the adverse effects of unclean cooking energy sources like firewood and charcoal.

Mr Wilfred added that the country’s clean cooking initiative aligns with the government’s economic diplomacy, which is crucial for fostering bilateral partnerships with other nations to invest in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The transition to clean cooking energy involves replacing unclean sources like firewood and charcoal with eco-friendly alternatives such as gas and electricity.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

By REUTERS

Tanzanian police arrested two opposition leaders again on Monday, their party and police said, to stop anti-government protests in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

The main opposition party Chadema’s chairman Freeman Mbowe was detained on the street, while his deputy Tundu Lissu was taken from his home amid plans to demonstrate against alleged killings and abductions of government critics.

Rights campaigners say President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government is targeting opponents ahead of local elections in December and a national vote in 2025.

Police said 14 people were arrested including Mbowe and Lissu for defying a prohibition on the protests.

There was no immediate comment from Hassan’s government, though it has previously said it defends democracy and does not tolerate brutality.

Chadema said on social media platform X that Mbowe was arrested in the Magomeni area of the city when he arrived to lead a peaceful protest. A convoy of 11 vehicles picked up Lissu and left without saying where he was going, it added.

Advertisement

The pair were also briefly arrested, along with hundreds of supporters, last month.

Lissu survived being shot 16 times during an assassination attempt in 2016.

Earlier this month another senior Chema member was abducted from a bus, his body later found with signs he had been beaten and had acid poured on his face.

Read: Ally Kibao, abducted Tanzanian opposition leader found dead

Continue Reading