This initiative reached over 1,500 smallholder farmers in the Mwanza and Geita regions, along with their families, who directly benefit from enhanced food security, increased incomes, and improved resilience against climate impacts. Additionally, the wider community gains from restored ecosystems and increased climate awareness.

The initiative aimed to:

1. Equip farmers with sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural techniques.
2. Improve water use efficiency in farming to combat drought conditions.
3. Promote crop diversity with drought-tolerant varieties for stable food supplies.
4. Restore and protect soil health, reduce erosion, and increase carbon capture.

To achieve these objectives, FRECHO designed and implemented innovative activities that included:

1. Agroforestry Training and Implementation

Farmers participated in workshops to understand the benefits of integrating trees with crops, learning hands-on techniques for soil improvement, biodiversity support, and erosion reduction.

FRECHO distributed 5,000 tree saplings to farmers, with guidance on how to plant and care for them alongside crops, increasing the region’s vegetation cover and creating additional income opportunities.

2. Water Conservation Practices

Practical training sessions introduced rainwater harvesting systems, enabling farmers to capture and store rainwater for dry seasons.

Drip irrigation systems were installed on pilot farms, reducing water use by 40% without sacrificing crop yields. These efficient systems provided a model for other farms and communities to follow.

3. Introduction of Climate-Resilient Crops

Farmers were introduced to high-yield, drought-resistant crop varieties like sorghum and millet. FRECHO provided seeds, conducted planting demonstrations, and offered regular support.

These crops demonstrated resilience during erratic rainfall, and the program reported a 25% increase in yields, ensuring food security and income stability.

Impact

The impact of the Climate Smart Agriculture Initiative has been significant and multi-dimensional. Farmers have seen an increase in crop yields, which has directly translated to higher incomes and improved food security. The integration of agroforestry has rejuvenated degraded soils, reduced runoff, and enriched biodiversity in farm ecosystems. The water conservation practices have provided a sustainable way to manage scarce water resources, while climate-resilient crops have reduced farmers’ vulnerability to weather fluctuations. Overall, the initiative has empowered local communities to maintain productivity despite climate challenges.

FRECHO’s sustainability plan ensures the long-term impact of this initiative by:

1. Capacity Building and Local Leadership

FRECHO has trained local agricultural leaders who continue to support farmers with CSA techniques and innovations. This grassroots approach means knowledge and practices are continually reinforced and adapted by the community.

2. Formation of Farmer Cooperatives

Farmer cooperatives were established to facilitate shared resources, seed banks, and collective decision-making. These groups have created community seed-sharing programs, making climate-resilient seeds accessible even after the project ends.

3. Partnerships and Continuous Monitoring

FRECHO partnered with local government agencies and NGOs to ensure consistent monitoring of farming practices and provide additional support as needed. By forming alliances with agricultural research centers, FRECHO has enabled ongoing access to new techniques and drought-tolerant crop varieties.

4. Community-Led Expansion

Farmers who successfully adopted CSA practices have become champions within their communities, educating and inspiring others. This peer-led expansion is designed to spread climate-smart methods beyond the initial project area, creating a sustainable impact across the regions.

The Climate Smart Agriculture Initiative in Mwanza and Geita exemplifies how community-driven projects can create lasting change. FRECHO’s innovative approach in integrating training, resources, and sustainability planning has created resilient agricultural communities that can withstand climate stresses and continue to thrive. This project not only improves the immediate lives of beneficiaries but also lays a foundation for sustainable agricultural practices that can be replicated and scaled across Tanzania and beyond.