EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE TANGA REGION

Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, is gaining traction as a sustainable solution to many environmental and socio-economic challenges. In the Tanga region of Tanzania, this practice is transforming the landscape and empowering women, who are often the primary caretakers of their families in rural areas.

The Role of Women in Agroforestry

Women in the Tanga region play a crucial role in agroforestry. They are typically responsible for managing household food security, which includes growing crops, collecting firewood, and ensuring a steady water supply. By integrating trees into their farming systems, women can enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields, and diversify their sources of income.

Benefits of Agroforestry for Women

Improved Food Security: Trees provide fruits, nuts, and other edible products that can 

supplement the family’s diet. This is particularly important during periods of food scarcity.

Income Generation: Women can sell tree products such as fruits, nuts, and timber, providing them with an additional source of income. This financial independence is crucial for improving their social status and economic stability.

Environmental Sustainability: Agroforestry practices help conserve soil, retain water, and enhance biodiversity. Women, who are often the stewards of natural resources, benefit from a healthier environment that supports sustainable agriculture.

Forest Focus: Supporting Agroforestry and Women

Forest Focus, an East African non-governmental organization, has been instrumental in supporting agroforestry initiatives in the Tanga region. Founded in 2020, Forest Focus aims to address extreme poverty and biodiversity loss through reforestation and agroforestry practices1.

Their efforts include:

Tree Planting: Forest Focus has planted millions of trees, including native species and grafted fruit trees, to restore biodiversity and provide economic benefits to local communities.

Training and Education: The organization conducts training sessions on sustainable farming practices, compost making, and organic pest control. These sessions are designed to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to implement agroforestry effectively.

Community Engagement: By working closely with local communities, Forest Focus ensures that their initiatives are culturally appropriate and meet the specific needs of the people they serve.

Agroforestry holds great promise for improving the livelihoods of women in the Tanga region. By addressing the challenges they face and leveraging their unique roles in rural households, agroforestry can empower women to become key agents of change in their communities. This, in turn, will lead to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that benefit everyone.