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How vegetable gardens and farmer groups are transforming lives in Iramba
What you need to know:
- The five-year initiative (2024–2028) aims to promote food security and climate resilience by improving agricultural practices, strengthening market systems, and promoting smart household choices, especially among women
Dar es Salaam. The Nourish Tanzania project is transforming rural livelihoods in Iramba and beyond, with more than 310 vegetable gardens established, 59 farmer groups formed, and 174 demonstration farms launched in just one year.
The five-year initiative (2024–2028) targets 168,000 smallholder farmer households across the regions of Dodoma, Manyara, Rukwa, Singida and Songwe.
It aims to promote food security and climate resilience by improving agricultural practices, strengthening market systems, and promoting smart household choices, especially among women.
Funded by Norad and implemented by SNV, Farm Africa, T-MARC, RECODA, and MIICO, the project focuses on crops such as sorghum, sunflower, beans, and vegetables.
Speaking during a farmers’ field day held in Ngalagala village, Nourish project officer, Ms Salome James, highlighted both the successes and the ongoing challenges faced by the farming communities.
“Rainfall is unpredictable, and poor road infrastructure hampers timely access to seeds and agricultural supplies,” she said.
“However, with soil testing carried out on 320 farms and continued training, we’re enabling farmers to maximise productivity.”
According to Ms James, support from SNV and Farm Africa, delivered through local partners RECODA and MIICO, is equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to improve their livelihoods.
To date, over 1,000 farmers have joined the project. They have received 600 packs of vegetable seeds and 39,000 vines of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes—a crop prized for its nutritional benefits.
During the field days, which have been held in Iramba and other districts, villagers are introduced to key concepts in hygiene, nutrition, climate-smart agriculture, and income-generating activities.
They also gain practical experience through demonstration plots and nutrition sessions, which include live cooking demonstrations.
Representing the District Commissioner, Division Officer, Mr Charles Makala, urged farmers to put the lessons learned into practice.
“Work together, get registered, and make these changes permanent,” he told the gathering. “Let’s ensure these investments yield long-term, meaningful results.”
Farmers’ field days have so far taken place in ten districts: Momba, Mkalama, Mpwapwa, Sumbawanga, Kalambo, Hanang, Mbozi, and others—spreading knowledge and resilience across the country.
