Sustainable Food Production

Improved standards of living of marginalized women through climate resilient agricultural practices in the Babati district.

Directly involved: 525 people (350 women and 175 men), indirectly involved: 2.625 (1.750 women and 875 men).

90 % of people in Babati, a rural district in Mayara region, depend on subsistence farming. The standard of living is characterised by high poverty levels, poor health, high illiteracy, powerlessness and gender inequalities.The agricultural earnings are very low because the rural farmers depend highly on rainfall for crop growth so any deviation has significant impact on the agriculture yields. This is worsened by lack of adequate markets, poor seeds, pests and diseases and high post-harvest losses. Relying heavily on firewood as a source of energy, led to a depletion of trees which negatively affects rainfall and in sum endangers food security. This increases vulnerability of women, deepens inequality and increases their workload since women are obliged culturally to feed their families.Using a new energy source can improve the quality of women’s lives as often carbon monoxide is inhaled while cooking.

• Train the community on climate resilient and sustainable agriculture practices including use of quality seeds, appropriate spacing and pest management (7 trainings each per village)
• Establishment of demonstration plots for selected value chain crops such as maize, beans, and sorghum. (7 trainings each per village)
• Training of 350 women on entrepreneurship skills
• Creating awareness for the community and Institutions on wood fuel efficient stoves (community meetings)
• Organize tree planting campaign in reserved areas, water sources, institutions and individual households (target of 10.500 seedlings)
• Training of staff in M&E, gender equality, climate action and environmental protection and report writing