In order to address existing social and environmental problems, there is a need for sustainable agriculture in Tanzania.

Problems are caused by factors such as environmentally-destructive and unsustainable farming practices. These practices lead to food insecurity, poverty and climate change including cycles of drought. Malnutrition is also a result of environmental degradation through the loss of topsoil, water supplies and forests.

Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania with SAT

The organization Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) seeks to address these issues. It works with small-scale farmers face-to-face and uses impact-proven strategies which are based on four holistic pillars:

1. Dissemination of Knowledge
2. Application and Marketing
3. Research
4. Networking

SAT works with farmers, educators, researchers and government and operates a Farmer Training Centre (FTC).

Large-Scale Successes with Small-Scale Farmers

Since 2011, the SAT has successfully linked 2000 small-scale farmers in Morogoro. Thus far, the movement has reached over 70 groups from 50 villages. 

Through SAT’s Innovation Platform, all these gained experiences from the field are made accessible to a national community of more than 50,000 farmers, public and private stakeholders.

Soil management is also a key issue. Farmers fight erosion, reduce water consumption and plant trees to reduce the dependence on adjacent forestlands that are under harvest pressure.

Farmers are able to successfully produce organic vegetables and fruits. They also learn how to process food as well as how to store it longer. The FTC is closer to becoming financially self-sustained and continues to host over 1600 farmers, extension officers and youth in East Africa.

SAT also collaborates with universities to link young researchers with the farming communities. Some of SAT’s Core Values include:

1. We Empower
2. Practice Equity
3. We are Ethical
4. Anti-corrupt

These values promote a good work ethic and lead to successfully implementing sustainable agriculture in Tanzania.

Through working directly with the farmers and recognizing their knowledge and experiences, sustainable agriculture in Tanzania can thrive as these programs become improved and refined.

– Julia Lee

Photo: Flickr