Tanzania's Eco-Village Demonstrates Climate-Smart Farming

Farmers in the Igunga District of Tanzania are plagued by climate change in the form of drought, soil degradation and erratic rainfall, which has made their farms and communities vulnerable. Using new techniques to protect their water, forests and energy, farmers are taking steps to combat these challenges.

In conjunction with Aqua for All, Heifer Netherland Director Rian Fokker talked about the Climate Change Resilience Igunga Eco-Village Project in Tanzania during the annual European Development Days in Brussels. She explained the situation of the communities in Igunga and highlighted climate adaptation strategies that farmers are field testing in collaboration with the local government.

Our Heifer Tanzania team simultaneously celebrated World Environment Day with Igunga Eco-Village Project farmers by showcasing climate-smart interventions in Mwang’halanga Village.

Igunga’s District Administrative Secretary Godslove Kawiche was the guest of honor and commended the Igunga Eco-Village on the environmental conservation efforts.

“All of the efforts done by this project at our district are remarkable,” he said. “The Eco-Village Project has constructed wells and rain harvest water tanks, biogas digesters, fuel efficient stoves, as well as provided expertise in chicken husbandry and fish farming. Through these interventions, the project area will get sufficient water and reduce unnecessary cutting of trees. This will also lead to improved livelihoods and income for the people of Igunga.”

Kawiche called upon the Igunga residents to use the celebration as a learning opportunity to adapt to all the good climate-smart interventions introduced by the Igunga Eco-Village Project farmers.

With funding from the European Union, the project is being implemented through a partnership between Heifer Nederland, Heifer Tanzania, Aqua for All, the Igunga District Council and the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology.