France, Tanzania partner on ecological farming

MOROGORO: THE government of France has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Tanzania in advancing ecological agriculture.

This sustainable approach conserves soil and the environment while enhancing food production and strengthening food security at both national and regional levels.

The pledge was made recently by French Ambassador to Tanzania, Anne-Sophie Avé, during the official launch of the AgroKilimo Project in Morogoro.

The two-year initiative is being implemented by the international NGO, Islands of Peace Tanzania.

The AgroKilimo Project, which runs from 2025 to 2027, is funded by the French government at a cost of over 1.4bn/-. It aims to promote chemical-free fruit and vegetable production, bringing mutual benefits to both Tanzania and France.

“We are proud to support this project, which is already improving the availability of safe, organic produce while protecting the environment,” said Ambassador Avé.

She highlighted the longstanding cooperation between France and Tanzania in the agricultural sector, citing the Nyandira Market in Mvomero District established over 30 years ago as a successful example of bilateral support that continues to help local farmers’ access reliable markets.

France, she added, supports numerous agriculture projects across the country, including ecological farming in mountainous regions, seedto-food value chains, and the construction of local markets that connect farmers directly to consumers.

A key component of AgroKilimo, the ambassador noted, is the strengthening of six ecological agriculture training centres located in various regions of Tanzania. These centres will collaborate to promote sustainable farming practices that protect biodiversity and build climate resilience.

“We want to see agriculture not only feeding people but also generating employment, protecting the environment and contributing to the well-being of farmers. Our shared goal is a safer, more sustainable world for both current and future generations,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Ayesiga Buberwa, Country Director of Islands of Peace Tanzania, said the project aims to strengthen sustainable food systems through ecological farming by training facilitators who will then train smallholder farmers in rural communities.

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Buberwa added that AgroKilimo will involve participatory research directly with farmers, enabling the transfer of appropriate ecological farming technologies and finding practical solutions to production challenges.

“Thanks to support from the French government, we are working to harmonise training across these centres to ensure consistent, science-based education for farmers across the country,” Buberwa explained.

The support will address each centre’s specific needs, including demonstration plots, infrastructure improvements, staff training and collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).

Through SUA’s Faculty of Agroecology, the project will also support postgraduate students conducting field research with farmers to help resolve practical challenges in ecological farming.

Agriculture Officer at Islands of Peace Emmanuel Kasembe, stressed that ecological farming promotes soil conservation, environmental stewardship and the protection of beneficial organisms within the ecosystem.

He noted that this type of agriculture encourages intercropping and allows farmers to grow a variety of crops on limited land while maintaining long-term soil fertility.

“Ecological farming teaches farmers how to produce more on small plots using natural methods that protect the soil for future planting seasons,” Kasembe said.