How agroecology is creating millionaires in northern Tanzania

MONDAY March 30, 2026

By Adam Ihucha

The Tranquillity News Correspondent, Tanzania

On a sun-baked hillside in northern Tanzania, neat rows of lettuce, cabbage and beetroot stretch across a small but carefully managed farm.

For 58-year-old George Ndege, this land tells a story of transformation—one that reflects a broader shift taking place across the northern Tanzania.

Eight years ago, Ndege was a subsistence farmer at Ealabe Village in Karatu, Arusha Region, growing just enough to feed his family.

Today, he runs a small but profitable agricultural business, earning millions of Tanzanian Shillings each year by supplying organic produce to nearby tourist lodges.

“I never thought farming could take me this far,” he says softly, standing among his crops. “Now I see it differently—it is not just about survival, it is about opportunity.”

“I never thought farming could take me this far, now I see it differently—it is not just about survival, it is about opportunity,” 58-year-old farmer George Ndege.

On just over an acre, Ndege cultivates six high-value vegetables, including zucchini, lettuce and leeks.

His produce is sold to six high-end hotels in Karatu, a town close to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, both major draws for international tourists.

His vegetable sales generate about Sh180 million ($68,000) annually.

Together with income from a ten-acre organic coffee farm, his total earnings reach around Sh266 million ($100,000) a year—an income level that would have been unimaginable for him less than a decade ago.

A different way of farming

Ndege attributes much of this change to training in agroecology, an approach that combines farming with environmental conservation.

He was introduced to the methods by Iles de Paix (IDP) – Islands of Peace, a Belgian non-governmental organisation that has been working with farmers in the area.

“They showed us how to use what we already have—local seeds, organic compost, and natural pest control,” says Ndege, explaining: “It reduced costs and improved the soil, but also increased what I could harvest.”

Through partnerships with local groups such as MVIWArusha and RECODA, the organisation has trained thousands of farmers in the region, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable and market-oriented practices.

Growth beyond one farm

Ndege’s success is part of a wider trend. According to IDP’s agroecology specialist Emmanuel Kasembe, more than 6,500 farmers in Karatu and  Arusha districts are now using similar methods, working across an estimated 13,000 acres of land.

Many of these farms combine crops such as maize, cassava and beans with livestock, including goats and cattle.

They showed us how to use what we already have—local seeds, organic compost, and natural pest control, these reduced costs and improved the soil, but also increased what I could harvest,” George Ndege, agroecology farmer.

This diversification helps farmers spread risk and maintain productivity, particularly in the face of changing weather patterns.

Together, these farmers produce millions of tonnes of food each year, generating a combined income of roughly Sh1.25 billion ($485,000).

“Before, organic farming was mainly for export markets,” says Ayesiga Buberwa, IDP’s Resident Director.

“Now we are seeing growing demand locally. People want food they can trust, and farmers are beginning to respond to that.”

Tourism driving demand

Karatu’s location near Tanzania’s northern safari circuit has played an important role in this shift.

The area is home to more than 140 lodges and hotels, many catering for international visitors who expect high-quality, fresh food.

For farmers, this has created a steady and nearby market.

“There is still more demand than we can supply,” says Ndege, adding: “We have the land and the knowledge, but we need more farmers to join.”

Local authorities see this as an opportunity to strengthen the rural economy.

Engelbert Qorro, Chairman of the Karatu District Council, says farmers like Ndege demonstrate what is possible.

“He is an example of what can happen when farmers change their approach,” Qorro says. “Sustainable farming is not only about protecting the environment—it is also about improving livelihoods.”

A wider African picture

Across Africa, similar approaches are gaining traction.

In countries such as Kenya, Uganda,  and Ethiopia, farmers adopting agroecological practices have reported improved yields, healthier soils, and higher incomes.

These methods often rely less on expensive chemical inputs and more on locally available resources, making them more accessible for small-scale farmers.

At the same time, global demand for organic food continues growing, with the market now valued at more than $220 billion.

While much of this demand has traditionally come from wealthier countries, domestic markets within Africa are also expanding, particularly in urban areas and tourism hubs.

Challenges ahead

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Farmers often face difficulties accessing certified organic inputs, financing, and reliable markets.

Poor infrastructure, including storage and transport, can also limit their ability to expand.

Organisations like IDP are working to address these gaps by supporting farmer networks, improving access to inputs, and helping to build trust in local markets.

However, experts say broader investment and policy support will be needed to scale up these efforts.

Changing lives

For Ndege, the impact of these changes is visible not just on his face and fields, but in his entire life.

He has built a new home, invested in farming equipment, and started a small hotel business.

Farming is a business, if you do it properly, it can give you a posh life,” George Ndege, agroecology farmer.

His farm now serves as a learning site for others, particularly the youth interested in agriculture.

“I tell them farming is a business,” he says. “If you do it properly, it can give you a posh life.”

Looking ahead

Founded in 1958 by Dominique Pire, Iles de Paix focuses on supporting sustainable food systems by working directly with farming communities.

In northern Tanzania, its approach is helping to reshape how agriculture is viewed—from a means of survival to a pathway for economic growth.

What began as a small initiative in villages like Ealabe is gradually expanding into a wider movement.

As climate pressures increase and demand for safe, locally produced food rises, agroecology may offer a practical model for the future—not just in Tanzania, but across much of the developing worldΩ