PASTORALISTS living at Embukoi area, Donyomoruwa Ward, Siha District in Kilimanjaro Region have embraced organic vegetable farming as an economic activity.

This came after the training and support they received as part of Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) implemented by Floresta Tanzania in partnership with the World Vegetable Centre.

Speaking at Embukoi demonstration farm yesterday, Sinyati Ng’ida, Floresta Tanzania agriculture and livestock programme coordinator, highlighted the project’s goals of improving seed access, enhancing nutrition and developing value chain for vegetables and spices.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the two-year project aims to reach 5,000 people in Kilimanjaro, with 60 percent being youth aged between 15 and 29 with 40 percent being women.

According to her, several farmers have started to embrace organic farming after recognising its benefits both economically and for family nutrition.

“Farmers should embrace organic agriculture so that they can enjoy bumper harvest, assure good health as well as conserve the environment,” she said.

She said the organisation provided training on organic farming to pastoralists, village community banking members, pupils, teachers and various food vendors throughout the region.

“We also aim to supply seeds to enhance nutrition from family level to schools and support farmers in establishing a robust seed system from production to storage,” she said.

Jackson Laizer, chairman of Emusoi credit and savings group, reported positive changes in community nutrition due to awareness and support.

“At Emusoi, we focus on tree planting and vegetable cultivation. Importantly, we have been taught how to incorporate vegetables in our meals to improve nutrition,” Laizer said.

Lekishon Mollel, chair of traditional leaders at Embukoi noted that the project was of great benefit to the community. “Previously, we lacked knowledge about environmental conservation but after the training, we have embraced sustainable practices in vegetable farming,” he said.