Climate Change affects youths and women in Isimani and Mvomero, a narrative of challenges and hope

February 29, 2024 11:40 am · Mwandishi

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Dar es Salaam. The impacts of climate change are increasingly evident in communities around the world, and the effects are particularly pronounced in rural areas of developing countries like Tanzania.

Isimani Village in the Iringa Region and Mvomero District in the Morogoro Region are two such areas where the adverse effects of climate change have significantly impacted the lives of youths and women, affecting their daily activities and livelihoods.

The once-fertile lands that made Isimani famous for its rich soil and abundant harvests are now facing the harsh consequences of environmental degradation, primarily driven by the extensive cutting of trees for charcoal production and the expansion of agricultural lands.

Isimani was renowned for its thriving maize fields, providing sustenance and income to its residents, but now, the changing climate has disrupted this delicate balance.

Residents, who were mostly relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, are struggling with unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and fewer crop yields.

“Global – climate has hit us hard in Isimani. We used to harvest up to 20 sacks of maize, but now, it’s down to only six. This has affected our economic activities, especially in agriculture,” said Boniphace Sesamala, a youth and a farmer living in Lupembe lwa Senga Village.

Sesamala added that due to the changes it is hard for them to engage in economic activities because most of them are agriculture related where they have to wait until the rainy season, the thing which makes them stay idle most of the time.

The women of Isimani, who play a vital role in agriculture and household sustenance, voiced their concerns about the diminishing natural resources.

“Collecting firewood and water is becoming increasingly challenging due to deforestation. We are forced to travel longer distances, spending more time on these essential tasks, which leaves us with less time for income-generating activities or caring for our families,” shared Christina Nzelemela.

On the other hand, in Mvomero District, the effects of climate change manifest in different ways, including prolonged droughts, increased prevalence of diseases, shortage of food, and moral decay among the youth.

The scarcity of water and food due to droughts has not only affected agricultural productivity but has also led to health issues, particularly among women and children.

Additionally, the lack of access to basic necessities has contributed to a sense of hopelessness among the youth, leading to moral decay and increased vulnerability to negative influences.

To address the pressing concerns, Energy and Livelihoods for Communities (Elico Foundation), a non-profit organization established with the main goal of accelerating access to modern energy solutions for socio-economic development of rural Africa in collaboration with Sahara Ventures, a technology and entrepreneurship firm in Tanzania organized a three-day discussion session in Isimani and Mvomero as well.

Together, they initiated discussions and workshops aimed at identifying, educating, and supporting youths engaged in the value chain of climate change to provide solutions for mitigating its effects.

This initiative, part of the ClimAccelerator project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, sought to empower youths and women in Isimani Village and Mvomero District to become agents of change in their communities.

Through these discussions, participants identified several solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change including providing climate change education to civilians and the use of modern techniques in farming.

Boniphace Ngailwa an Agriculture Officer at Isimani Village, explained during discussions that the Government has already taken some steps including promoting the residents growing crops that withstand drought like millet, sunflower, cotton and cashew nut.

“Through Government agricultural officers we’ve been advising farmers to use modern farming methods which will help the farmers to have good harvest without expanding their farms by cutting down trees, a step which will help to reduce the effects of climate change,” Ngailwa Said.

Therefore, Michael Ngunzi, who is a Health and Environment Officer in Isimani, briefed that, in order to tackle the effects of climate change, apart from providing education to people the Government is now implementing the campaign of growing trees in the area which are provided freely by the Government.

Same motives have been taken in Mvomero District in Morogoro, according to government officials the farmers have been trained on the modern farming techniques including drip irrigation.

“We provide training to farmers on how to use drip irrigation technique during drought season, this enables the farmers to produce the whole year but also we equip the pastoralists with the knowledge on how to produce animal foods which will be stored and used during the rainy crisis period,” Said Aziz Msuya, Principle Community Development Officer.

Msuya added that the Government has implemented various policies and programs aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, including promoting sustainable agriculture practices, providing access to clean energy sources, and creating awareness about climate change adaptation strategies.

While the community and the Government are working on their side to fight the effects of climate change the intervention of Non Government Organization and development stakeholders could make a greater impact.

The Elico Foundation, in its commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions, plans to implement projects that promote reforestation, efficient charcoal production techniques, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Zephaniah Mugittu, the Project Manager from Elico Foundation has stated that his organization recognizes the importance of continuing collaboration with various stakeholders in the climate change and renewable energy value chain by designing various projects that will aid in addressing these changes in the country.

“Currently, E lico Foundation is engaged in various projects in the health, agriculture, cold chain, and street solar lights sectors, all contributing to the fight against climate change by utilizing clean and safe solar energy,” Mugittu explained.

Mugittu added that his organization is gearing up to further strengthen its efforts in educating the community on climate change as a whole, with the aim of building a safer and developed nation.