Empowering Change: A Glimpse into Vi Agroforestry’s Impact on Smallholder Farmers through the ASILI B Programme 

On November 18, 2024, Vi Agroforestry Tanzania set out on a transformative journey to Butiama District, showcasing the tangible and far-reaching effects of the ASILI B (Agroforestry for Sustainable Livelihoods and Biodiversity) programme. The visit, led by key members of Vi Agroforestry’s team, including Martha Olotu, Khalid Ngassa, Rashid Malya, along with Board Chairperson Katinka Palmgren and Regional Director for East Africa, Leif Newman, provided an insightful look into the positive changes that sustainable farming interventions have brought to local communities. Together with local farmers and implementing partners, Inland Development Services (IDS) and Bunda Farmers Development Support Organization (BUFADESO), they witnessed firsthand how smallholder farmers are benefitting from climate-smart practices that not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to restoring the environment. 

The ASILI B programme has made remarkable progress in promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, improving food security, and enhancing biodiversity conservation. One of its standout features is the focus on clean cooking solutions. At Easter Steven’s farm in Kamugegi Ward, the team saw the impact of a wood-saving stove—an innovation aligned with President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s National Clean Cooking Strategy. This stove reduces fuel consumption, alleviates smoke exposure, and has immediate health benefits. “As you can see, my wife’s eyes are now clear as a result of using the wood-saving stove that eliminates smoke,” shared Tonic Makunja, a farmer in the area. This simple yet powerful change is contributing to a broader national effort to reduce household reliance on polluting cooking methods while promoting better health outcomes. 

Another key intervention creating lasting change is the introduction of kitchen gardens. Farmers like Priscilla Mgendi in Kukirango Ward have seen a noticeable improvement in their families’ nutrition since adopting this practice. “The kitchen garden has provided us with a steady supply of fresh vegetables, helping us become less dependent on external food sources,” Priscilla shared. This initiative aligns perfectly with Tanzania’s National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan, which emphasizes enhancing dietary diversity as a means to combat food insecurity and improve public health. 

The visit also highlighted the power of conservation agriculture, with organic farming and poultry rearing playing key roles in enhancing both income diversification and soil health. Tonic Makunja’s experience exemplifies the broader goal of the ASILI B programme: achieving sustainable farming practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship.

Leif Newman, Vi Agroforestry’s Regional Director for East Africa, emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability, stating, “While we can offer guidance, the true success of these initiatives rests with you. The choices you make today will shape the future of your farms and the environment for years to come.” This statement highlights the crucial role farmers play in ensuring the success of these initiatives and reinforces the importance of their active involvement in driving change. 

The broader impact of the programme is equally impressive. Over the past two years, 23380 farmers have been trained in sustainable practices, and 172 hectares of land have been converted into agroforestry systems, significantly reducing deforestation and enhancing biodiversity. These outcomes align with Tanzania’s national sustainability goals and underscore the central role smallholder farmers play in the country’s environmental and economic future. 

For Katinka Palmgren, Vi Agroforestry’s Board Chairperson, the visit was an inspiring celebration of community-driven change: “It’s truly inspiring to see how the farmers are embracing these practices and transforming their lives. It’s a testament to the power of sustainable solutions.” With plans for future expansion, Vi Agroforestry is committed to continuing to empower farmers, driving sustainable change, and contributing to a resilient, prosperous future for Tanzania.