Tanzania’s Maasai women adopt new techniques to battle climate challenges

By Kizito Makoye

MVOMERO, Tanzania (AA) — In the sun-scorched expanse of Mvomero district, nestled in the eastern Morogoro region of Tanzania, the Maasai people have lived for decades. Traditionally sustaining themselves with cattle herding, the way of life is now endangered by changing weather patterns.

Severe drought spells force the Maasai to move their livestock in search of pastures, leaving women behind to manage households and ensure children go to school.

Anna Piyanga, 29, a member of a traditional Maasai family, faced the harsh reality of drought affecting milk production — a primary source of income for her family.

In a village meeting earlier this year, she discovered a new technique under Tanzania's Anglican Church initiative, leveraging technology for sustainable farming practices.

"I learned new techniques, such as crop farming using drip irrigation, to grow vegetables. I use the vegetables for food and sell the excess to meet family needs," says Piyanga.

Led by the Anglican Church Diocese of Morogoro, the innovative project positions local communities at the forefront of fighting climate change through their day-to-day activities.

- 'Ray of hope'

Over 100 households, impacting around 1,000 people, have gotten involved in the project that has gradually served to improve nutrition and reduce hunger in the area.

"Irregular weather patterns affect agriculture production in many areas. We've built the capacity of rural women in climate and conservation agriculture, focusing on food, nutrition, and economic security" said Oscar John, program manager with Norway-based charity Christian Church Aid, which backs the project.

According to John, the broad approach has helped farmers and pastoralists cope with growing challenges, while also mobilizing local women into learning groups where they gain key knowledge and skills.

He said that through technologies like drip irrigation, the project aims to lessen competition for resources, especially water, and reduce conflicts over land use while promoting harmony among pastoralist communities.

"We encourage pastoralists to utilize small plots for crop cultivation, diversifying their income sources and reducing pressure on natural resources," John explained.

The project employs various approaches, including physical training, engagement with government extension officers, and the use of digital platforms for e-learning, John says

“This project is a ray of hope for us, we get additional income through vegetable and fruit growing," said Piyanga.

- Organic farming a 'sustainable alternative'

Pius Ngwira, program officer at the diocese, said the initiative aims to address the effects of climate change in line with Tanzania's national policy aiming to build farmers' knowledge on sustainability in production and adaptation and enhancing climate resilience.

“We use relevant technologies in crop production, including the use of Climate Smart Agriculture, in which best agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds and use of drip irrigation,” Ngwira says.

According to him, different approaches are being used to mobilize and train small groups of crop producers.

In a remarkable shift from traditional pastoralism, Vicky Lukakunga, a woman farmer in Mvomero, has embraced organic farming to cope with drought.

“I learned to conserve water and use it sparingly through the drip irrigation technique,” she says.

Lukakunga, who once relied on livestock to make a living, decided to make the switch to organic farming due to the increasing challenges posed by the changing climate patterns and prolonged droughts in the region.

"With the unpredictable weather and declining water sources, organic farming has proven to be a sustainable alternative to support my family,” she says.

In a bid to enhance agricultural sustainability and alleviate rural poverty, Christian Church Aid has become a crucial partner for farmers in Tanzania. With a mission rooted in community development, the charity has implemented various initiatives to empower farmers and foster resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change and economic uncertainties.

Its involvement in Tanzania spans several years, focusing on providing targeted support to rural communities, particularly those heavily reliant on agriculture. The organization recognizes the critical role that farmers play in the country's economy and the impact of their well-being on the overall community.

Piyanga emphasized the positive impact on her crops, "My harvests have become more resilient to drought. The soil health has improved, and I've noticed a significant reduction in pest infestations." The use of organic practices, such as composting and crop rotation, has played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of water scarcity.

"I started using natural fertilizers, and I rotate my crops to maintain soil fertility. It's incredible how the land has responded positively to these methods, even during the toughest times," she said.

The community in Mvomero has also taken notice of Piyanga's success, with some farmers considering a similar shift to organic methods. Local agricultural experts have praised her efforts, citing the potential for widespread adoption of sustainable practices to combat the effects of climate change.