The French Embassy, through the Agro Farming Project coordinated by Island of Peace (IDP), has provided Sh35 million to the Mogabiri Center for Agricultural and Environmental Development (MFEC) to support the construction of irrigation infrastructure for agroecological farming in Tarime District, Mara Region.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the centre over the weekend, MFEC Acting Manager Peter Mwita said the support has strengthened demonstration farming and expanded farmer training on sustainable agriculture.
He said the funding was used to construct a water storage system with two 20,000-litre tanks to support irrigation activities throughout both rainy and dry seasons.
“The French Embassy, through IDP, supported us with Sh35 million, which enabled us to build infrastructure for water harvesting and irrigation to support model farms used for farmer training,” he said.
Mwita said the support has helped the centre continue educating farmers on the importance of agroecology and irrigation farming as part of efforts to improve food production and environmental conservation.
“Our vision is to see farmers in Tarime and across Tanzania embrace agroecology and irrigation because they help produce safe and healthy food for consumers,” he said.
He added that the centre currently produces bananas, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, cassava, sukuma wiki and sweet peppers using ecological farming methods.
“We encourage farmers to visit the centre and learn sustainable farming methods that can improve productivity while protecting the environment,” he said.
Mwita said the centre, established in 1986, also keeps livestock to support the production of organic manure and compost fertiliser.
According to him, MFEC has trained farmers on the preparation of natural pesticides and organic fertilisers, reaching more than 35,000 farmers in 33 villages within Tarime District.
He said the centre has recently started receiving requests for training from outside Mara Region, reflecting growing interest in agroecological farming.
However, Mwita noted that challenges remain, including limited access to natural resources and policies that do not sufficiently encourage communities to adopt agroecology practices.
IDP Executive Director Ayesiga Buberwa said the Agro Farming Project is part of broader efforts to promote sustainable food systems and environmentally friendly agricultural production.
He said the project focuses on strengthening training and research to help farmers transition to agroecological farming systems.
“This project brings together agroecology centres to build farmers’ capacity and strengthen institutions that support sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Buberwa said the irrigation and water harvesting infrastructure developed under the project would provide long-term benefits to the centre and surrounding communities.
He named other centres participating in the project as SJS Mwanga, RECODA, Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT), Bihawana Dodoma and PPIZ Zanzibar.
French government representative Professor Jean Luc Paul said France has continued supporting Tanzania’s agriculture sector for decades, including through cooperation with the Sokoine University of Agriculture.
He said the French Embassy was encouraged by Tanzania’s efforts to promote agroecology and sustainable farming systems.
“We believe this project will bring positive transformation to farmers and agroecology centres involved in the initiative,” he said.
Professor Jean Luc also thanked the Tanzanian government for its cooperation in supporting agricultural development initiatives aimed at improving food security and environmental sustainability.
