Wind of agroecology sweeps northern Tanzania, reforming farms and fortunes
What started as a pilot project would soon ignite widespread change across the East African country.
SATURDAY March 28, 2026
By Adam Ihucha
The Tranquillity News Correspondent, Tanzania
In the rolling highlands of Karatu District, Tanzania, where fertile soils stretch beneath the shadow of the Rift Valley escarpment, a quiet agricultural revolution is taking root—one that is reshaping livelihoods, restoring ecosystems, and redefining how food is grown.
It began modestly in 2018 in Endagem Village, Endabash Ward, in the district.
A group of curious farmers gathered around a demonstration plot, uncertain of what to expect.
Before them lay a farming system unlike anything they had seen: Crops interwoven in diversity, compost enriching the soil, and trees standing harmoniously among food plants.
This was agroecology—a sustainable approach that minimises chemical inputs while embracing nature-based solutions such as intercropping, composting, and agroforestry.
The initiative was spearheaded by Iles de Paix (IDP) – Islands of Peace, a Belgian non-governmental organisation in partnership with MVIWAARUSHA and RECODA committed to sustainable development.
What started as a pilot project would soon ignite widespread change across northern Tanzania.
“We had never seen anything like it,” recalls Modest Fante, one of the early adopters. “Now we grow indigenous crops using a blend of traditional knowledge and modern techniques. It has restored our soils, improved our nutrition, and ensured both food sovereignty and safety.”
Today, Fante is more than a farmer—he is a role model in his community.
On just over three acres, he cultivates maize, pigeon peas, beans, and indigenous vegetables.
Each three-month season yields nearly 2.5 metric tonnes of produce, earning him about Sh22 million (about $8,540)—a remarkable income in a country where agricultural workers often earn as little as Sh175,000 (about $68) per month.
The impact on his life has been profound.
“Buyers, including tourist hotels, come directly to my farm,” he told a visiting team of journalists. “They pay premium prices because the crops are chemical-free and of high quality.”
With the proceeds, Fante has built two modern homes, leaving behind the traditional mud house he once lived in.
Equally important, he notes, is the improvement in his family’s health. “The food we eat now is more nutritious, and our soils are alive again.”
Local leaders have taken notice. Englibert Aloyce Qorro, Chairman of the Karatu District Council, was among people who visited the agroecology farm together with the journalists for the first time.
“We have always had fertile land,” he says, “but we lacked the knowledge and technology to produce high-value crops sustainably. Agroecology has opened our eyes. We are committed to scaling it across the district.”
What began as a small experiment has since expanded significantly.
According to agroecology specialist Emmanuel Kasembe from Iles de Paix, more than 6,500 farmers in Karatu and neighbouring Arusha District are now practicing agroecological farming.
Together, they cultivate over 13,000 acres of land using environmentally friendly methods.
Staple crops such as maize, cassava, beans, bananas, and pigeon peas dominate the fields, often complemented by livestock including chickens, goats, sheep, cattle, and rabbits—an integrated system that enhances resilience and productivity.
Historically, organic farming in Tanzania targeted export markets, but now, we are focusing on building strong local markets where consumers can trust and trace what they eat.” Iles de Paix Resident Director Ayesiga Buberwa.
Annual production among supported farmers has reached over 14,300,000 metric tonnes, generating a combined income of approximately Sh1.25 billion (about $485,250), if the current price of Sh 8,800,000 (about $3,417) per tonne is anything to go by.
These figures underscore not only the economic viability of agroecology but also its potential as a climate-smart solution in a region that is increasingly becoming vulnerable to erratic weather patterns.
For Iles de Paix, the journey is far from over. Resident Director Ayesiga Buberwa says the organisation is now working to deepen and scale up its impact.
Plans are underway to develop organic pesticides and fertilizers service providers, and roll out Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) to certify agroecological products.
“Historically, organic farming in Tanzania targeted export markets,” Buberwa explains. “But now, we are focusing on building strong local markets where consumers can trust and trace what they eat.”
Efforts are also underway to connect farmers with buyers, particularly within Tanzania’s booming tourism industry, and to launch marketing campaigns that raise awareness of agroecological products.
Back in Endagem Village, the once-experimental plot has become a symbol of possibility.
What farmers first approached with curiosity has evolved into a movement—one rooted in sustainability, resilience, and hope.
As climate challenges mount and demand for safe, nutritious food grows, the winds of agroecology sweeping through northern Tanzania may well signal the future of farming—not just for this region, but far beyondΩ
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Adam Ihucha is a prominent Tanzanian journalist and author recognized for his extensive coverage of tourism, wildlife conservation, and economic issues in East Africa. Based in Arusha, he serves as a senior correspondent for The Tranquility News and is a long-time contributor to eTurboNews (eTN), where he provides global insights into Tanzania's travel industry.
Throughout his career, Ihucha has written for several major publications, including The Guardian (Tanzania) and The EastAfrican. His work frequently highlights the intersection of environmental conservation and economic development, covering critical topics such as anti-poaching initiatives, national park management, and regional trade within the East African Community. His journalism is noted for its advocacy for sustainable tourism and its role in documenting the achievements of Tanzania's tourism sector.
Email contact: ihucha@tranquilitynews.com
