By The Respondent Reporter
More than 2,300 farmers in Babati District are benefiting from a major agricultural initiative designed to boost food security and climate resilience.
Under the Nourish Tanzania project, 75 farmer groups and 57 Farmers’ Field Schools have been established to empower smallholder farmers and enhance the productivity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The five-year project focuses on four high-potential value chains to sorghum, sunflower, common beans, and vegetables.
It aims to improve food systems for 168,000 people across the regions of Dodoma, Manyara, Rukwa, Singida, and Songwe.
The initiative combines agricultural training, nutrition education, and market support to help farming communities adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods.
The Nourish Tanzania project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in collaboration with Farm Africa, T-MARC, RECODA, and MIICO.
Its implementation in Babati currently covers 42 villages in 10 wards, where teams of extension officers, health workers, lead farmers, and local organizations are working hand in hand with communities.
Recently, the project held a celebration in Endanoga Village to mark progress made so far. Thousands of farmers came together to share experiences and receive practical training on climate-smart agriculture and improved nutrition.
The event highlighted how integrated approaches can bring lasting change to rural households.
According to Ms. Salome James, Nourish Project Officer from RECODA, the initiative, launched in late 2024, has already made visible impacts by increasing access to agricultural inputs, digital tools, and technical knowledge.
Farmers have been trained in climate-resilient farming techniques through the Farmers’ Field Schools and are now linked to trusted suppliers of quality seeds and other farming essentials.
The project is not only increasing agricultural productivity but also addressing nutrition at the household level.
Through food budgeting, nutrition awareness, and women's involvement in decision-making, the initiative is helping families make informed choices about their diets and farming practices.
Among the early results is the distribution of 40,000 nutrient-rich potato vine cuttings to farmers for seed multiplication. This is part of broader efforts to promote diversified farming and better nutrition outcomes in the community.
Babati District Executive Director, Mr. Khalfan Matipula, praised the Nourish Tanzania project for its efforts to fight malnutrition, especially stunting among children.
He said the training of community health workers has proven effective in spreading essential nutrition knowledge across villages.
He urged farmers to continue applying what they’ve learned and to maintain strong partnerships with agricultural experts.
Mr. Matipula emphasized that a better future starts with informed decisions and hard work, calling on extension officers to stay committed now that results are clearly visible in the field.
With its holistic approach and strong community involvement, Nourish Tanzania is making a meaningful contribution toward building resilient rural livelihoods and securing food systems in a changing climate.
