Over 7,000 farmers in Magu to benefit from COSOP project

MWANZA: OVER 7,000 farmers in Magu District, Mwanza Region are set to benefit from the ‘Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP).

The programme aims at transforming the agrifood systems to achieve higher productivity, better nutrition, more income and resilience for the rural poor in Tanzania.

The seven-year project (2017-2024) is implemented by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in collaboration with the Tanzanian government through the Vice-President’s office, at the tune of 1.5bn/-.

The National Project Coordinator for Land Degradation and Food Security in the Office of Vice-President, Mr Joseph Kihaule said this recently, during the tour to inspect the project’s progress in Lumeji and Nya’hanga villages of Magu.

COSOP also seeks to restore damaged lands caused by climate change impacts for betterment of farmers, pastoralists and other groups.

“We mostly offer education on best farming and animal keeping methods. The beneficiaries are also taught on forest preservation, for availability of rains that will support their farming,” he said.

“The project also involves the construction of water wells, for domestic use and irrigation farming to fight climate change impacts and therefore ensures food security. Similarly, a number of beneficiaries have specialised in sheep farming,” added Mr Kihaule.

IFAD Vice-President, Mr Donal Brown, affirmed that the organisation looks forward to having more projects in Magu, to support the Tanzanian government, especially in areas of food security, fight of climate change impacts, as well as improvements of social services, mostly the water.

Nya’hanga villager, Mr Henericus Kitambale, expressed his gratitude to COSOP officials who have been bringing services closer to residents.

He added, the project promotes not only food security but also commercial farming, with the majority of residents in Magu being engaged in rice cultivation.

“The available water wells also encourage watermelon irrigation farming, one of the most marketable fruits in various parts of the Lake Zone,” he said.

Magu District Agricultural Officer, Mr Mussa Kiwanuka, commented that the majority prefer sheep farming after COSOP brought in high-breed species.