Situated in East Africa, Tanzania is home to approximately 60 million people and boasts diverse landscapes, from the coastal plains along the Indian Ocean to the highlands of the Udzungwa Mountains. The Iringa region in southern Tanzania, where the Forest Gardens project takes place, stretches along the ridges and valleys of these mountains, with a significant rural population relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. This region has faced challenges such as deforestation and land degradation, making it an ideal location for implementing sustainable agroforestry practices to improve both environmental conditions and local communities' well-being.
Overview
Tanzania, an East African nation straddling the equator, is home to approximately 60 million people. Its diverse topography creates varied climates, from hot, humid coastal plains to cooler highland regions. The country is renowned for iconic landmarks like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its annual wildebeest migration.
Tanzania's rich biodiversity extends from its terrestrial ecosystems to its coastal areas, which feature estuaries, reefs, and mangroves. These coastal habitats support local livelihoods and provide natural protection against extreme weather events.
Tanzania's biodiversity is remarkable, with over 1,000 bird species and nine endemic bird areas. It ranks 10th globally in the number of IUCN Red Listed threatened species, including unique creatures like the kipunji monkey and the Matilda's horned viper.
However, Tanzania's natural resources face significant threats. Only about one-third of the country's environment is formally protected, and it's estimated that Tanzania has lost a third of its forest and woodland ecosystems in recent decades. This loss is primarily due to agricultural expansion, urbanisation, overexploitation, land degradation, and deforestation.
Given these challenges, it's crucial to implement measures that address biodiversity threats and support reforestation efforts in Tanzania, preserving its unique and valuable ecosystems for future generations.
Farmer harvesting bananas in Tanzania’s sustainable forest gardens, showcasing the benefits of agroforestry and land restoration. Photo credits to Ecologi.
The Forest Garden project
Since 1989, Trees for the Future (TREES) has successfully planted more than 250 million trees worldwide. Their expert staff specialises in agroforestry, an approach that integrates agriculture and forestry to create sustainable land-use systems. TREES tackles the issue of degraded lands by equipping farmers with tree seeds, technical knowledge, on-site assistance, and comprehensive reclamation and business strategies.
In partnership with the Clinton Development Initiative (CDI), TREES implements the Community Agri-Business programme. This initiative trains local farmers to plant various trees for agroforestry, fruit production, and timber. The programme offers comprehensive support, including training sessions, loan packages with seeds and planting materials, and essential tools. This approach aims to enhance agricultural sustainability and improve livelihoods in targeted communities.
Young children in Tanzania hold tree seedlings as part of a sustainable forest garden initiative, showcasing community involvement in environmental conservation and agricultural development. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Implementation
In the southern region of Tanzania, Iringa stretches across the Udzungwa Mountains' ridges and valleys. Local farmers typically cultivate only one or two crop types, leaving them vulnerable to weather extremes, pest infestations, and market instability. Many operate independently, lacking support and access to overcome agricultural production challenges and formal market barriers.
An innovative approach called the Forest Garden is being implemented to address these issues. This method involves a specialised training program that teaches farmers to plant diverse tree species, which protect their land and enrich soil nutrients, ultimately improving crop yields in quantity and quality.
The Forest Garden initiative revitalises the local ecosystem and creates new business opportunities for farmers. This diversification of income sources enhances their resilience to climate change impacts.
Between May 2022 and December 2023, the Iringa Forest Garden project, which involved approximately 600 local farmers, aimed to plant over 1.8 million trees. This two-year initiative transformed agricultural practices and livelihoods in the region.
Additional resources are available online for more detailed information about Forest Gardens and their benefits. Read more about the project on Restor.
Tanzanian farmer tends to sustainable forest garden, demonstrating eco-friendly agricultural practices through Trees for the Future partnership. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Key objectives
Forest restoration
Planting diverse tree species to revitalise the local landscape and improve soil quality.
Improving agricultural sustainability
Teaching farmers to implement the Forest Garden Approach, which involves planting thousands of trees to protect their land and enhance crop yields.
Enhancing farmer resilience
Diversifying income sources and creating new business opportunities for farmers, making them more resilient to climate change and market fluctuations
Project impact
Environmental impact
The Forest Gardens project in Tanzania is set to have a profound positive impact on the local environment. By planting diverse tree species, the project aims to restore degraded land and revitalise local ecosystems, significantly enhancing regional biodiversity.
This reforestation effort is expected to sequester substantial amounts of carbon, with projections indicating the capture of 80 million metric tonnes of CO2 over two decades.
Moreover, the introduction of nitrogen-fixing trees and the implementation of organic practices will significantly improve soil fertility. The project also promises to enhance water retention and management, mitigating the effects of both droughts and floods, thus contributing to overall ecosystem resilience.
Social impact
The social benefits of the Forest Gardens project are far-reaching and transformative for participating communities. By enabling farmers to diversify their crop production, the project directly addresses issues of food security and nutrition.
Regular training sessions empower farmers with enhanced knowledge and skills, fostering a sense of self-reliance and community development. Notably, the project places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with a significant portion of participants being women, thereby promoting gender equality in agricultural practices.
The creation of local employment opportunities through this initiative may help reduce rural-urban migration, preserving community structures. Additionally, as household incomes increase, families are likely to have improved access to education for their children, further contributing to long-term social development.
Economic impact
The economic implications of the Forest Gardens project are substantial and multifaceted. By enabling farmers to diversify their income sources through the production of various crops and tree products, the project significantly reduces their vulnerability to market fluctuations.
The increased farm productivity and yields directly translate to higher incomes for participating farmers. Furthermore, the project opens up new business and market opportunities, allowing farmers to explore various avenues for economic growth.
The cultivation of timber trees as biological assets provides a long-term economic benefit, offering a potential source of wealth accumulation over time. Overall, the project's approach to creating diverse, sustainable agricultural systems promises to enhance the economic resilience and prosperity of the participating communities.
Tanzanian farmer tends to vibrant forest garden, showcasing sustainable agroforestry practices. Photo credits to Ecologi.
UN Sustainable development goals
The Forest Gardens project in Tanzania aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
1 - No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2 - Zero Hunger: Rethink how we grow, share and consume our food, providing nutritious food for all
3 - Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4 - Quality Education: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality education
5 - Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
10 - Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
13 - Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
15 - Life on Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
The Forest Gardens project contributes to these goals by improving food security, increasing farmer incomes, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, empowering local communities, and restoring degraded lands. Read more about the UN's sustainable goals.
Verification and Location
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Photo credits: Ecologi
FAQ’s
How can individuals or organisations contribute financially to the Tanzania Forest Gardens project?
Individuals and organisations can support the Tanzania Forest Gardens project by booking through Exploreo or donating directly to our partner organisations like Trees for the Future.
Are there any volunteer opportunities at the Tanzania Forest Gardens project?
While direct volunteer opportunities aren't available through Exploreo, interested individuals can contact local organisations or Trees for the Future for potential ways to support the project.
How does climate change specifically threaten the forests in Tanzania?
Climate change in Tanzania leads to increased risks of deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity, threatening the sustainability of local ecosystems and livelihoods.
What is being done to mitigate these climate risks for the forests in Tanzania?
The Forest Gardens project in Tanzania is implementing sustainable agroforestry practices, training local farmers, and planting diverse tree species to enhance ecosystem resilience and combat climate change effects.
How does Tanzania's geography affect its vulnerability to climate change and impact conservation efforts?
Tanzania's diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to highlands, make it particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, necessitating tailored conservation approaches like the Forest Gardens project.
How does the project ensure the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts?
The project ensures long-term sustainability by training farmers in agroforestry techniques, promoting diverse crop cultivation, and fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.
What educational programs does the project run?
The Forest Gardens project provides comprehensive training to local farmers on sustainable agroforestry practices, nursery development, and ecosystem management.
How does the project select its partners to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices?
The project collaborates with local communities, farmers, and organisations committed to sustainable agriculture and conservation practices, ensuring alignment with the Forest Garden approach.