Tanzania Foreign Investment News (Page 8)

By Luke Anami

The Lobito Corridor project, which connects four African countries, is ready for implementation after the US awarded a technical assistance grant for an environmental assessment study.

A feasibility study and the signing of the concession agreement is also complete for the 780km greenfield railway connecting the Lobito rail line in Luacano, Angola, to the existing railway line in Chingola, Zambia. 

The African Finance Corporation (AFC), the lead developer of the Zambia-Lobito railway, signed a concession agreement with the governments of Zambia and Angola to develop and operate the rail on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City.

During the ceremony attended by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US Trade and Development Agency awarded a technical assistance grant of $2 million to the AFC for an environmental and social impact assessment.

Blinken also announced the official joining of Tanzania in the project. 

Read: US taps Tanzania in battle with China for minerals

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“The Lobito Corridor – connecting Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – is one of our biggest projects. The ultimate goal is infrastructure connecting the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean,” Mr Blinken said. 

“Today, Tanzania is also joining conversations about the Lobito Corridor for the first time – something we very much welcome.” 

The expansion of the Lobito Corridor to include Tanzania is meant to allow the project to run all the way to the Indian Ocean to facilitate transportation of nickel and other minerals.

Blinken said that so far, the United States and its partners have committed over $4 billion to Lobito Corridor projects.

USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong said the project would facilitate economic activity, trade and critical minerals development between the Port of Lobito in Angola and Zambia’s Copperbelt.

Read: US commits $360m to Lobito Corridor project

US priority

“This project will help reshape the economic landscape of Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it will foster trade while uplifting the people whose livelihoods will be tied to economic activity along the corridor,” Dr Ebong said.

“Support for the rail line will contribute to the development of the Lobito Corridor, a US government priority under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) that seeks to provide a private sector-driven, sustainable and transparent option for emerging markets seeking infrastructure investment to accelerate inclusive economic development.”

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, said that once completed, the Zambia-Lobito Rail Corridor will create a trans-continental trade corridor that will facilitate trade and investment across Africa and in various sectors, including mining, agriculture, energy and tourism.

“We are therefore pleased to receive this project preparation grant from USTDA to advance the ESIA for the project, underscoring the significance of investing in enabling infrastructure in Africa to secure trade routes and enable critical minerals supply for the global energy transition.”

The high-level discussion advanced PGI’s flagship Lobito Corridor, which aims to develop trans-continental link from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.  

Foreign ministers of Angola, DRC, Tanzania and Zambia attended the event, alongside the European Partnerships Commissioner, Italian Vice Foreign Minister, the AFC CEO and Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Human Development of the African Development Bank.

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Mwanza. Wakati ugonjwa wa kichaa cha mbwa ukitajwa kusababisha vifo vya zaidi ya watu 59,000 duniani kila mwaka, Serikali ya Tanzania na Marekani zimeamua kuungana ili kupambana nao ikiwemo kuelimisha umma juu ya ugonjwa huo.

Hatua hiyo inakuja ikiwa kichaa cha mbwa bado ni tishio kubwa la afya ya umma nchini Tanzania hasa katika jamii zenye uelewa mdogo na upatikanaji hafifu wa huduma za mifugo.

Shirika la Marekani la Maendeleo ya Kimataifa (USAID), kupitia Mradi wa Breakthrough Action kwa kushirikiana Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu sehemu ya Afya Moja, Wizara ya Mifugo na Uvuvi, Wizara ya Afya, na Ofisi ya Rais (Tamisemi), wametumia fursa ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Kichaa cha Mbwa kama sehemu ya juhudi za kimataifa za kupambana na ugonjwa huo.

Kupitia kampeni ya kitaifa ya “Holela-Holela Itakukosti,” yenye lengo la kuiwezesha jamii kupambana na ugonjwa huo, Usaid na Serikali ya Tanzania inawakumbusha wananchi kuwajibika na kuondoa vikwazo ili kushinda vita dhidi ya hatari ya ugonjwa huo.

Awali, wakati wa maadhimisho ya Siku ya Kichaa cha Mbwa, ambayo hufanyika kila mwaka Septemba, 28 kampeni ya “Holela-Holela Itakukosti,” ambayo tafsiri yake ni uzembe ni gharama, ilichukua nafasi kubwa katika kuongeza uelewa kuhusu kichaa cha mbwa, ugonjwa unaosababisha vifo vya zaidi ya watu 59,000 duniani kila mwaka.

Tukio hilo la kitaifa liliongozwa na Abdul Mhinte, Naibu Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Mifugo na Uvuvi, ambaye amesisitiza umuhimu wa elimu kwa jamii na mikakati ya chanjo katika kupambana na ugonjwa.

Aidha amehimiza kuimarishwa kwa ushirikiano kati ya maofisa wa afya ya umma na jamii za mitaa ili kuimarisha mwitikio wa pamoja.

“Kichaa cha mbwa kinaweza kuzuilika. Lengo letu ni kuhakikisha kila mbwa nchini Tanzania anapatiwa chanjo, na kila mwananchi anajua cha kufanya endapo atang’atwa na mbwa. Kila jamii inapaswa kuchukua jukumu lake katika vita hivi.”

Msisitizo wake juu ya elimu na ushirikiano ulipeleka ujumbe wa matumaini kwa waliohudhuria. Kampeni hiyo inalenga jamii kwa kutoa ujumbe muhimu kuhusu kichaa cha mbwa, kuwachanja na kutafuta huduma za afya mara baada ya tukio la kung’atwa na mbwa.

Watoto, ambao ni miongoni mwa walio hatarini zaidi kuathiriwa na kichaa cha mbwa, wanapewa elimu juu ya kuepuka mwingiliano kama kuwachokoza mbwa hasa wasiowafahamu na wanyama wenye uwezekano wa kuwa na maambukizi.

Shuhuda kadhaa zinaonensha umuhimu wa kampeni hii. Revina, mama wa watoto watatu kutoka Mwanza:”Kabla ya kampeni, sikuwa najua hatari ya kichaa cha mbwa. Tulipojifunza kuwa mbwa wetu wanapaswa kuchanjwa, tulichukua hatua mara moja. Sasa, nina amani kuwaacha watoto wangu kucheza nje.”

Kampeni ya Holela-Holela pia inalenga kupambana na sababu zote zinazochangia kuwepo kwa ugonjwa wa kichaa cha mbwa kama vile uelewa mdogo, juhudi hafifu za chanjo, na usimamizi usio salama wa wanyama.Continue Reading

TANZANIA: Tanzania has seen notable uptick of tourism and export sectors in the year ending July, significantly contributing to sustained economic growth.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) latest economic monthly review for July shows that the increase of tourists not only boosts revenue for local businesses but also contributes to the national economy, enhancing foreign exchange earnings.

“The rise in travel receipts arises from the recovery observed in the tourism industry, reflected by the increase of tourist arrivals by 22 per cent to 2,026, 378,” states the central bank report.

ALSO READ: Tanzanians urged to promote local tourism

According to the BoT report, travel receipts increased by 531.8 million US dollars to 3.53 billion US dollars.

Overall, during the period under review, services receipts increased 6.70 billion US dollars from 5.54 billion US dollars in the corresponding period last year with much of it emanating from travel and transport services.

Meanwhile, transport earnings, predominantly from freight charges, increased to 2.60 billion US dollars compared to 2.09 billion US dollars in the corresponding period last year supported by increased trade relations with neighbouring landlocked countries.

Month-on- month, services receipts amounted to 503.1 million US dollars in July, compared to 594.8 million US dollars in the similar period last year.

According to the report, exports of goods and services reached 14.67 billion US dollars up from 13.03 billion US dollars during the same period last year.

“The increase was largely driven by higher service receipts, particularly from tourism and increased exports of gold, traditional goods such as tobacco, cashew nuts, and horticultural products,” BoT said.

Traditional exports reached 1.07 billion US dollars compared to 782.5 million US dollars in the previous year, with notable growth in tobacco and cashew nuts.

According to the report, non-traditional exports amounted to 6.45 billion US dollars up from 6.29 billion US dollars last year.

The rise was largely driven by gold exports, totalling 3.14 billion US dollars representing 48.8 per cent of total non-traditional exports.

Additionally, horticultural exports nearly doubled to 437 million US dollars compared to 296.5 million US dollars in the previous year, driven by increased shipments of vegetables.

On a monthly basis, exports of goods increased to 858.3 million US dollars in July compared to 760.7 million US dollars in July last year.

Source: allafrica.com

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ZANZIBAR — THE Zanzibar government has reported that the implementation of e-payments in its financial systems has significantly reduced fraud.

Minister for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed informed the House of Representatives that the adoption of technology in various financial systems has helped identify and close many loopholes that previously resulted in financial losses within public institutions.

Dr Mohammed was speaking on behalf of Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, the Minister of State in the Office of the President (Finance and Planning), who was absent during the session.

His remarks were in response to a question from Mr Bakar Hamad Bakar, the representative for Wawi constituency, who inquired about the benefits of digitalisation in the financial system.

“The transition to digital payments has improved financial discipline and minimised fraudulent activities by dishonest public servants,” Dr Mohammed stated.

He also emphasised the ongoing push for cashless transactions and urged customers to utilise e-payment options instead of cash.

Source: allafrica.com

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DAR ES SALAAM: PLAN International Tanzania has encouraged girls nationwide to step forward and articulate the challenges they face in pursuing their goals, including leadership roles.

The organisation’s Director, Ms Jane Sembuche, made the call during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam about the upcoming International Day of the Girl Child celebrations.

Ms Sembuche announced the launch of two campaigns, “Girls Take Over” and “Hear Our Voices,” aimed at empowering girls to express their concerns to relevant authorities.

The celebrations are expected to attract hundreds of girls from over 60 countries where the organisation operates, advocating for these campaigns.

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding girls’ rights and promoting their empowerment globally.

Ms Sembuche urged the government to address challenges hindering girls from achieving their aspirations, including the revision of the Marriage Act of 1971 to eliminate the influence of early marriages.

ALSO READ: THN urged to enhance girls’ participation in economy

She also called for enhanced protection for girls, particularly against sexual violence, and increased investment in their well-being.

Alumna of the “Girls Take Over” campaign, Ms Jacqueline Mtamya, highlighted the programme’s impact on her leadership skills and ambassadorial positions.

Meanwhile, Ms Zafaran Ramadhan, a graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam, stressed the importance of encouraging girls to pursue science subjects to navigate the evolving landscape of science and technology.

She noted that more girls in these fields would enhance efforts to combat gender-based violence.

Ms Mariam Surve, a student at the Lugalo Military Medical School of Science and Medicine and a mental health advocate, emphasised the opportunities offered by Plan International’s campaigns, particularly “Girls Take Over,” as a significant platform for building confidence and showcasing leadership abilities.

“I believe that through the ‘Girls Take Over’ campaign, I will become open-minded and gain exposure to fulfill my dreams.

Through our ‘Hear Our Voices’ campaign, I urge governmental and non-governmental organisations to support us. We, as girls, possess the power, strength, determination, and dreams. What we lack is hope and the support to create a conducive environment to achieve our dreams,” stated Ms Surve.

Source: allafrica.com

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DAR ES SALAAM — MASSIVE road infrastructure projects are being implemented across Tanzania, positioning the country among the sub-Saharan African nations with the largest road networks.

Over the years, the government has taken deliberate measures and committed resources to expand the road network, leveraging Tanzania’s strategic advantage as a bridge economy linking the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets.

During a press conference held yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Acting Managing Director of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Mr Ephatar Mlavi noted that the sixth phase government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to prioritise road, bridge, and airport construction to ease transportation and enhance connectivity with other countries.

This is in line with the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) 2021/22 – 2025/26, which aims at unlocking the country’s infrastructural potential.

Key objectives include completing 2,500 kilometres of paved roads, decongesting major cities and constructing an additional 6,006 kilometres of new paved roads.

The plan also emphasises building 14 new bridges and completing seven others, along with airport development and maintenance.

This ambitious infrastructure initiative also aligns with the ruling party CCM Election Manifesto for 2020- 2025, which calls for strengthening strategic infrastructure to create an enabling environment for citizens to carry out their activities efficiently and effectively.

ALSO READ: Serious investor? Tanzania is your destination

Detailing, Mr Mlavi said that TANROADS supervises road network stretching over 37,000 kilometres, which includes more than 12,300 kilometres of trunk roads and 24,889 kilometres of regional roads.

He said that during Dr Samia’s three-year presidency, TANROADS has completed 38 projects across 17 regions.

This impressive performance is attributed to the government’s consistent allocation of funds, averaging 1.5tri/- per year for the Ministry of Works, which supports TANROADS’ projects.

For the past three years, approximately 1,198 kilometres of roads have been constructed at tarmac level, while another 2,031 kilometres are under construction to bitumen standard.

Additionally, Mr Mlavi, who also serves as the TANROADS Director of Infrastructure and Planning, mentioned that over 2,052 kilometres of roads and two bridges are currently undergoing feasibility studies, with plans for construction at tarmac level.

He also said that the government has constructed nine major bridges, including the Tanzanite and Wami bridges in Dar es Salaam and Coast regions, respectively.

Currently, major projects underway include five significant bridges: Kigongo-Busisi, Pangani, Lower Mpiji, Mbambe and Simiyu.

“The government is committed to completing all remaining projects and upcoming initiatives,” Mr Mlavi stated.

He also noted that TANROADS has received funding to install streetlights across the country.

Currently, streetlights have been installed in several regions, including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Geita, Iringa, Kagera, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Njombe, Rukwa, Ruvuma and Shinyanga.

Furthermore, TANROADS has constructed seven airports, including Terminal Three at Julius Nyerere International Airport and facilities in Mwanza, Geita, Mtwara, Ruvuma, along with runway and airfield ground lighting installations at Songwe Airport.

There are eight ongoing airport projects, including Msalato, Iringa, Musoma, Tabora, Shinyanga, Sumbawanga, Kigoma and Moshi airports, aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector, highlighted by the revitalisation of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), the state airline.

Overall, he said the construction of transport infrastructure has been providing immense job opportunities to local contractors who have been engaged in undertaking all the renovation projects across the country.

He said an average of 1,067 projects were awarded to local contractors per year pertaining to renovation of roads, bridges and airports in which, a total of 411bn/- was spent for implementation of the projects.

However, he said local contractors still face lack of capital and modern equipment to run major projects.

Source: allafrica.com

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Watu watatu wakiwemo mhasibu na ofisa Tehama wa Kanisa la Waadventista Wasabato Tanzania (SDA), wamefikishwa katika Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu, wakikabiliwa na mashitaka manane, likiwamo la kutakatisha fedha na wizi wa Sh717 milioni mali ya kanisa hilo.Continue Reading

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems are essential for tracking development and performance, enhancing accountability and identifying lessons learned from the planning, execution and outcomes of policies, programmes and projects.

However, the government struggles to effectively monitor and evaluate development initiatives due to significant flaws in the existing M&E systems.

This year’s M&E industry met for a third time last week, September 17-20, 2024, in Zanzibar.

This national conference, established to assess the system further, was a testament to our integral role in advocating for positive outcomes in the nation’s usage of resources.

As a participant and an authority on M&E-related matters, I paid close attention to the explanations offered by each of the delegates who had the chance to speak about their subjects and the directives from the notable figures who were invited.

Of particular note were the opening remarks made by the second vice President of the Zanzibar Revolution Government, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla and the closing remarks made by Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko.

After reviewing the information presented by speakers and senior government officials, I have concluded that it’s crucial to address the challenges facing Tanzania’s effective monitoring and evaluation systems in the coming days.

By sharing my insights, I aim to ensure that the knowledge gained over these four days contributes to building a robust system that enables the country to make informed decisions about optimising resource allocation.

Based on my learnings from the conference, effective monitoring and evaluation systems encounter several challenges. I have briefly outlined the key issues that need to be addressed.

Tanzania has skilled M&E specialists, but the government’s ability to draw them into government systems needs to be improved by several issues, the most significant of which is the pay scale.

The salary range for government civil servants in Tanzania is not appealing to experts who can find better prospects in consultancy and non-governmental organisations.

For this reason, most third grade and lower government positions will continue to draw in only entry-level experts.

In part, Tanzania needs a robust M&E system because of the government’s ineffective structures and the absence of a national custodian of M&E functions.

No legal or policy framework or document requires any of the highest-level government agencies to take the lead in implementing M&E functions across the government; instead, the President’s Office or other appropriate authority within the Tanzanian government may act as the custodian of the country’s national M&E system.

The success and effectiveness of M&E systems, along with their findings and recommendations, largely depend on human resources and reporting structures.

Based on the conference discussions on establishing a comprehensive M&E system for the government, it appears that M&E functions are often positioned at lower organisational levels, lacking adequate funding and access to leadership and planners.

To address this, I recommend adopting more accessible approaches for setting up M&E systems. One effective strategy is the enclave model, which establishes an M&E system within a single entity that, if successful, can be replicated in other entities.

The government-wide and enclave models call for persistent lobbying, national champions and a national custodian with comparatively more power and influence.

Although efforts are hampered by the lack of national M&E legislation and a custodian for now, there may be other ways to attain capacity.

Although I have different views on many matters, after carefully evaluating every presentation at the conference, I can categorically say that an M&E system’s success depends on its ability to operate independently of laws, decrees and regulations.

However, the M&E culture, interaction with planning systems and demand for M&E data are more significant than passing legislation and regulations.

Since M&E is a relatively new phenomenon, the government sector has never used it effectively; instead, ad hoc data and assessments have remained necessary for policymakers and decision-makers to determine the current state of projects and programmes and to create strategic strategies.

For an effective outcome, quantitative facts and statistics must be considered because these provide insight and assessment of government reports and necessary interventions.

Even while M&E has grown in capacity, culture and demand over the past 20 years, there may still be a need for more interest in the field, particularly among parliamentarians, policymakers and decision-makers.

Low demand may result from a need for more awareness of the significance and worth of M&E data and difficulties in getting timely, useful information.

International lessons demonstrate that improving the supply and quality of M&E information requires demand.

Allocating enough resources has been mentioned as a problem for the effectiveness of M&E systems since it is a necessary component of effective M&E systems in the government and any other sector.

I welcome corrections, but as an analyst on the ground, I observe that effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) often demands a substantial budget, particularly given the competing priorities within a limited government budget.

For instance, reviewing last year’s budget presentations, I noted that no funds were allocated specifically for assessments; instead, there was no distinct evaluation budget within the national budget.

Consequently, resource constraints mean that monitoring data collection will be limited to programme and implementation units, which often have weak verification functions at the national level.

Understanding the significance of the complete national level baseline statistics surrounding key indicators, objectives and national priorities is necessary to comprehend the elements of a functional M&E system.

Tanzania must produce such statistics sufficiently, as discussed during the conference.

All systems must still merge data from different streams into a single, all-inclusive national management information system.

The government’s low capacity to consistently report on the nation’s state, supported by high quality data and information, can be a severe cause for planning concerns.

The only approach to improving national goals and targets will be to base all policy efforts and programmes on reliable data and information as we prepare for the new National Vision 2050 plan.

Lack of such information and data could force one to rely on incomplete information, impacting the programme’s design, execution and outcomes.

Although the conference taught many lessons, one thing is essential to remember always: the quality and utilisation of data and information.

The usefulness of data and information determines its worth and significance during monitoring and assessment.

The idea that M&E has intrinsic worth is false.

It is crucial to recognise that the usability of M&E information improves its quality because it’s worth is instead tied to how the facts and information are used.

The existing M&E systems provide some data to improve decision-making, but they still need to be fully utilised to help make the best choice Tanzania has on the table.

I offer the following suggestions to raise Tanzania’s monitoring and assessment systems’ standing and functionality: First, let’s discuss capacity building. Improving M&E systems starts with increasing capacity. Two: Enhance usability and utility: High-quality data are necessary to enhance the usefulness and usability of M&E data and information.

Demand for such data will rise with utilisation focused M&E systems that adhere to stricter data quality standards.

Therefore, to maximise information use and effectively use the limited government resources, any effort to develop M&E systems should be utilisation-focused.

Also read: Monitoring and evaluation: Biteko calls for professionalism

Third, appropriate organisational structures and a national organisation should be created.

M&E needs the right amount of power and access to decision making channels to provide the intended outcomes.

The current M&E organisational structures at the line ministries and agencies should be reorganised to improve the function’s standing.

Lastly, a partnership changes everything: To provide a forum for introspection, discussion and knowledge exchange, M&E professionals from the public and commercial sectors, as well as organisations from civil society, should work to build the national M&E partnership and forum.

ZANEA and TANEA are ideal for contributing technical knowledge to these forums, but effort is needed to align government and development organisations’ M&E systems.

Source: allafrica.com

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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

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Source: allafrica.com

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