Vi Agroforestry Symposium: Pioneering Tanzania’s Path to Sustainable Food Systems 

Musoma, Tanzania – November 14, 2024 – The 9th Annual Agroforestry Symposium, hosted by Vi Agroforestry Tanzania at the Agroforestry Training Centre in Musoma, kicked off with an inspiring atmosphere that brought together over 1,000 participants, including government officials, farmers, and community leaders. Opening the symposium, Hon. Dunstan Kitandula, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, emphasized agroforestry as a vital solution to Tanzania’s food security and environmental challenges.

“Agroforestry is key to strengthening food security, supporting resilient livelihoods, and building a sustainable future for Tanzania,” Kitandula declared, setting the tone for the event. He highlighted the National Agroforestry Strategy’s ambitious goal of integrating sustainable agroforestry practices into 15 million Tanzanian households by 2030. His announcement that the strategy would soon be available in Kiswahili was met with resounding applause, reinforcing the importance of making these vital resources accessible to all communities across the nation.

The first day of the symposium also saw the unveiling of Vi Agroforestry Tanzania’s 2023-2027 Country Strategy, presented by Martha Olotu, the Country Manager. Olotu delivered a compelling overview of the organization’s vision, which focuses on empowering communities through sustainable land management practices and safeguarding Tanzania’s biodiversity.

“This strategy is a commitment to fostering resilience and ensuring long-term sustainability across Tanzania,” Olotu stated. She reflected on Vi Agroforestry’s growing role in shaping Tanzania’s agroforestry landscape and its significant impact on the nation’s future development.

Katinka Palmgren, Chair of Vi Agroforestry’s Board, further energized the audience with an uplifting address, celebrating the organization’s remarkable achievements: 156 million trees planted and 2.8 million smallholder farmers supported across East Africa.

“Agroforestry is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope,” Palmgren emphasized, underscoring how Vi Agroforestry’s work goes beyond environmental benefits to offer life-changing opportunities for communities. She outlined the organization’s strategic goals to expand biodiversity, promote sustainable livelihoods, and bolster Tanzania’s agroforestry sector in the years ahead.

In line with these objectives, Vi Agroforestry’s national tree-planting campaign was announced, with a goal of planting 20,000 trees across districts such as Butiama and Chamwino. This initiative underscores the importance of youth involvement in environmental conservation. Palmgren echoed this sentiment, saying, “Where trees grow, people grow,” highlighting the crucial role that the next generation plays in shaping Tanzania’s sustainable future.

The symposium’s theme, “Agroforestry for Sustainable Food Systems,” called on participants to integrate traditional knowledge with modern agroforestry practices. The discussions centered on securing Tanzania’s food future while addressing pressing environmental challenges.

As Hon. Kitandula concluded, “Together, we are building resilience, enhancing food security, and safeguarding our environment.” His words encapsulated the essence of the symposium, symbolizing the collective effort to make agroforestry an integral part of Tanzania’s sustainable development strategy.

The first day of the symposium was a monumental step in Tanzania’s agroforestry journey. It set the stage for a renewed commitment to a future where agroforestry is central to economic growth, environmental protection, and food security.