Agroforestry initiative seeks to equip youth with climate-smart farming skills

DODOMA: VI Agroforestry plans to host a major agroforestry conference for youth in the Mara Region this October, with an expected attendance of over 8,000 people.

This was announced today by the organization’s Country Director, Martha Olotu, during an agricultural stakeholders’ forum held at the ongoing Nane Nane exhibition at the John Malechela grounds in Nzuguni, Dodoma City.

She stated that they have decided to focus on the youth by inviting a large number of them to participate in the conference, recognizing the abundant opportunities in this sector and the fact that the youth constitute the nation’s workforce.

She noted that the guest of honor at the conference is expected to be the Minister for Youth, Joel Nanauka, who will engage directly with the young participants and outline the various opportunities available in agroforestry.

Martha mentioned that the organization has been operating in the country for 30 years; it began its work in the Mara Region before expanding operations to other regions, including Dodoma, Manyara, Lindi, Mtwara, and Kagera.

She stated that the organization is guided by a three-year strategic plan set to conclude in 2027, adding that they anticipate having a subsequent strategic plan covering the period from 2028 onwards.

She noted that the organization implements various projects and engages with three types of stakeholders: smallholder farmer organizations, and civil society organizations that build the capacity of farmer groups and convey farmers’ needs to decision-makers.

She mentioned that the organization operates under a special program that places significant emphasis on biodiversity-conscious practices and climate change considerations.

“Today, we held a special meeting to review the organization’s work; we examined the Ministry of Agriculture and tourism budgets as presented in the government budget, identified shortcomings within them, and advised the government on how to address the issues we viewed as challenges,” she said.

“We have advised the government on various matters requiring adjustment and examined opportunities within the budget; furthermore, we intend to establish a network of organizations working in agroforestry and have invited people to register,” said Olotu.

“We expect 8,000 participants at this year’s conference; last year there were 6,000, but the number is set to rise—so far, 3,000 have already registered. We are holding the conference in Mara because we began our work there; therefore, Mara region is our home land,” she said.

Edna Paul, from the organization Counsenult, noted that agroforestry contributes to understanding the impacts of climate change and conserving soil, furthermore, through the resulting crops, it can help tackle malnutrition by ensuring an adequate food supply.

She stated that conference participants would have the opportunity to learn about agroforestry and climate change, knowledge that will assist them in productive farming, securing sufficient food, and completely eradicating malnutrition.

Additionally, Nemesi Kiliya—Director of the Civil Social Protective Foundation, a partner of Vi Agroforestry—mentioned plans to establish an agricultural stakeholders’ forum, which is set to be launched by the Minister for Youth, Joe Nananuka.