MARA: WHEN North Mara Gold Mine embarked on an agribusiness venture with 100 young people from the surrounding villages, few could have predicted its impact.
What began as a modest ten-acre garden has quickly become a transformative force, cultivating not only crops but also economic empowerment in Tanzania’s North Mara Region.
This initiative—known as the Matongo Agribusiness Project—has redefined “green gold,” providing skills, self-reliance and a sustainable future to a community once reliant on mining alone.
Now in its second year, the Matongo Agribusiness Project has started to yield impressive results.
With guidance from North Mara’s Community Development Officer, Praygod Mushi, the 100 young participants have completed training in modern farming techniques and are now graduating with the skills and confidence to establish their own farms.
Equipped with irrigation infrastructure and farming tools provided by the mine, these young farmers are taking their first steps toward economic independence and turning agriculture into a vibrant, sustainable livelihood.
For James Kilindo, one of the first graduates from the project, the journey into farming was more than just a career change—it was a break from tradition.
Growing up in Matongo village, James shared the community’s perception that vegetable farming was a job reserved for women.
But with encouragement from project leaders and exposure through educational tours, he began to see the potential that farming held for him and his peers.
“At an agricultural exhibition in Arusha, I heard inspiring stories from other young people who had turned farming into a profitable venture,” James recalls.
“With support from the mine in the form of irrigation systems, seeds and fertilisers, plus a guaranteed market for our produce, I realised I was in a unique position to succeed. I knew I had to seize this opportunity.”
Now, James has his own half-acre plot of sukuma wiki (collard greens), which he calls the foundation of his future.
“My goal is to expand to two acres, planting a variety of vegetables in cycles so I can harvest all year round and keep a steady income,” he says with determination.
For Hussein Said, a fellow participant, the project offered a lifeline. “This project has done more than teaching us to farm,” he says. “It’s changed our view on what’s possible.”
Like many local youths, Hussein had seen the North Mara mine as the only real source of opportunity, but farming has given him a viable alternative and a sense of security.
Hussein now cultivates half an acre of tomatoes and hopes to expand further after graduation.
He’s especially proud of the project’s impact on reducing the risky practice of youth entering the mine’s boundaries in search of gold.
“People used to think the only way to make a living was through mining, even if it meant putting our lives in danger,” he explains.
“Now we see that farming can provide a steady income without the risks.”
The Matongo Agribusiness Project has truly reshaped how young people in the area view their future. With hands-on training, tools and market access, the project has created a unique pathway for participants like Hussein to achieve self-reliance and inspire others to follow suit.
The Matongo Agribusiness Project has not only transformed the lives of its participants but also created new opportunities for local vendors.
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Fresh produce is now available close to home, reducing travel costs for traders who once journeyed long distances to stock their stalls.
Bhoke Mwita, a vendor from Nyakunguru village, has seen a significant difference in her business.
“Before, I had to travel to Nyamwaga and other distant places to buy vegetables,” Bhoke shares.
“Now, I can walk here to the farm and get fresh produce at a better price. My customers appreciate the quality and my profits have increased because I save on transport costs.”
The accessibility of fresh, affordable vegetables has boosted the local economy, helping vendors like Bhoke and creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. With new revenue streams for local farmers and traders alike, the project is steadily building a self-sustaining ecosystem around agriculture.
Encouraged by the project’s success, North Mara Gold Mine plans to expand the Matongo Agribusiness Project, adding another three to five acres dedicated to fruit crops like papayas and watermelons. This expansion will not only meet the needs of the mine and local customers but also broaden the range of agricultural skills available to the community.
A newly established demonstration farm on the outskirts of the project offers hands-on training in modern gardening and irrigation, inviting other local farmers to learn how to implement these techniques at home.
To ensure the farm’s continued growth, the mine has installed a larger water pump, addressing past water scarcity issues and ensuring a consistent supply for the increasing acreage. By investing in infrastructure and education, North Mara is setting a foundation for a sustainable farming model that can continue to thrive well beyond the life of the mine itself.
What began as a small agribusiness initiative has grown into a transformative model for sustainable community development. The Matongo Agribusiness Project has proven that with the right support, young people can shift from reliance on extractive industries to becoming self-sustaining farmers, building a legacy of economic empowerment.
Through its community responsibility fund, North Mara Gold Mine has not only provided the necessary resources but has also created a platform for lasting change. With 100 youths now equipped with skills, tools and a network for marketing their produce, the project stands as a testament to how corporate social responsibility can create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for local communities.
As the project continues to expand and more community members benefit from its success, Matongo becomes a symbol of how large-scale investments in agriculture can offer both immediate and long-term rewards, empowering communities to thrive long after the mine’s operations have ended.
