The Shirikishi Miombo Forest Project implemented in Mlele District, Katavi Region, is steadily emerging as a leading model of integrated agriculture, livestock development, and forest conservation, with demonstration farms attracting growing interest from both local stakeholders and international experts.
On April 20, 2026, experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya visited Mlele to learn from the ongoing initiatives and exchange knowledge on sustainable land use practices.
The visit also brought together experts from the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), led by Project Coordinator Assistant Commissioner Dr. Zainabu Bungwa.
The delegation toured demonstration farms for improved maize and groundnut varieties managed by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), alongside livestock pasture demonstration plots supervised by the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI).
The sites, located in Masigo, Utende, and Inyonga villages, have become practical learning centres for farmers due to their strong performance in productivity, improved farming techniques, and active community involvement.
Visitors expressed strong admiration for the way research-based agricultural technologies are being translated into practical solutions that directly benefit farmers.
The integration of crop production and livestock feeding systems was highlighted as a key strength of the initiative.
TARI researcher Caroline Sichale said the demonstration farms were established through organized farmer and livestock keeper groups to ensure that research findings are applied at community level.
She noted that the use of improved seed varieties, proper agronomic practices, and modern livestock feeding methods has significantly boosted yields and improved farmer incomes.
She added that the model is designed to bridge the gap between research institutions and farmers, ensuring that innovations are not only developed but also effectively adopted at grassroots level.
FAO Southern Africa Regional Expert Winfrida Nalyango commended Tanzania for successfully implementing the project, describing it as a practical example of how sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation can work together.
She said the initiative demonstrates strong potential for replication in other African countries facing similar challenges in balancing food production with natural resource conservation.
“What we have seen here is a strong example of how collaboration between government institutions, researchers, and communities can deliver real and lasting impact,” she said.
Dr. Zainabu Bungwa, the Project Coordinator, expressed appreciation to the participating communities, researchers from TARI and TALIRI, and district experts from Mlele for their contribution to the success of the initiative.
She specifically acknowledged Dr. Chota of TALIRI and agricultural extension officers for their technical support in establishing and maintaining the demonstration farms.
She said the success of the project reflects strong coordination among stakeholders and the commitment of local communities to adopt improved agricultural practices that support both productivity and environmental sustainability.
The Shirikishi Miombo Forest Project is being implemented across Katavi and Tabora regions, covering Mlele, Urambo, Sikonge, and Kaliua districts.
The project focuses on integrating forest conservation with economic empowerment for communities living around the Miombo ecosystem.
Officials say the approach is helping to reduce pressure on forests while improving food security and household incomes through sustainable agricultural practices.
With increasing international interest, the Mlele demonstration farms are now positioning Tanzania as a key reference point in sustainable land management, climate resilience, and community-based agricultural transformation across the region.
