Strengthening Climate Resilience

Strengthening Climate Resilience and Agroecology in School Communities in Tanzania

PROJECT TYPE: ONGOING

Project Duration: 2025–2028

Funding Partner: Howden Foundation

Geographical Coverage: Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma, Tabora, Singida, Ruvuma, Kagera, North Unguja, and South Unguja (Zanzibar), Tanzania.

Background

Climate change continues to pose significant challenges to Tanzania’s ecosystems, food systems, and livelihoods. Increasing temperatures, prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and biodiversity loss are affecting communities across the country, with children and young people among the most vulnerable groups. Schools, however, offer a unique opportunity to foster climate awareness, promote sustainable practices, and empower future generations to become agents of change.

At the same time, there is growing recognition that strengthening resilience requires going beyond classroom learning and engaging entire school communities, including teachers, parents, local leaders, and surrounding communities. By integrating agroecology, environmental stewardship, and climate adaptation into school systems, schools can become hubs for sustainable development and community transformation.

Project Overview

The Strengthening Climate Resilience and Agroecology in School Communities in Tanzania project is a three-year initiative supported by the Howden Foundation. The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of school communities to adapt to climate change while promoting agroecology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems.

The initiative is implemented through a network of local partner organizations working across nine regions of Tanzania. Through this decentralized and community-driven approach, the project leverages local knowledge, strengthens grassroots leadership, and ensures that interventions are tailored to the unique ecological and socio-cultural contexts of each region.

The project embraces the Whole School Approach and Integrated Landscape and Urban Development (ILUD) methodology, promoting schools as centers of learning, innovation, and action for resilient and sustainable communities.

Goal

To strengthen climate resilience and promote agroecological transformation within school communities across Tanzania through participatory learning, biodiversity conservation, and community-led action.

Project Implementation Partners

The project is implemented through the following regional partners:

Over all lead partner Tanzania Alliance For Biodiversity

Region	Implementing Partner
Arusha	Bridge Community Tanzania
Kilimanjaro	Kilimanjaro Permaculture Community (KPC)
Dodoma	Chamwiilee Agro-Live Care of Creation
Tabora	Sustainable Beekeeping and Human Development Organization (SuBeHuDe)
Singida	Agri Youth Forum
Ruvuma (Songea)	Mapendo Brotherhood Organization
Kagera	Rural Resilience Community (RRC)
North Unguja, Zanzibar	Practical Permaculture Institute of Zanzibar (PPIZ)
South Unguja, Zanzibar	Assalaam Community Foundation

Specific Objectives

Strengthen climate resilience among school communities and surrounding households.
Promote agroecological practices and biodiversity conservation within schools.
Improve climate literacy and environmental awareness among students and teachers.
Enhance food and nutrition security through school gardens and sustainable agriculture.
Foster youth leadership and active participation in climate action.
Strengthen community engagement and knowledge sharing between schools and local communities.
Promote ecosystem restoration and sustainable natural resource management.

Key Approaches

Whole School Approach

The project adopts the Whole School Approach, recognizing that sustainable change requires the involvement of all actors within the school ecosystem. Learners, teachers, school management, parents, and communities work together to integrate climate resilience and agroecology into school life and community practices.

Integrated Landscape and Urban Development (ILUD) Methodology

The ILUD methodology provides a framework for linking schools with their surrounding landscapes and communities. Schools serve as demonstration and learning centers where practical solutions for climate adaptation, food production, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration are tested and shared.

Community-Led and Partner-Based Implementation

Through collaboration with grassroots organizations, the project promotes local ownership and strengthens community capacities. Each implementing partner contributes its expertise and local networks to ensure inclusive and sustainable impact.

Key Activities

Major activities include:

Capacity building for teachers, students, and school management committees.
Establishment and strengthening of agroecological school gardens.
Promotion of indigenous and climate-resilient crops.
Environmental education and climate awareness campaigns.
Tree planting and ecosystem restoration initiatives.
Youth leadership and peer learning programs.
Community outreach and household engagement activities.
Knowledge exchange and learning among schools and implementing partners.
Documentation and dissemination of best practices and success stories.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the project, the initiative is expected to achieve:

Increased climate resilience among participating school communities.
Improved knowledge and skills on agroecology and environmental stewardship.
Enhanced food and nutrition security through sustainable school food systems.
Greater participation of young people in climate action and community development.
Strengthened biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts.
Increased adoption of sustainable practices within households and communities.
Strong networks of schools and local organizations working together to advance climate resilience and agroecology.

Long-Term Impact

The project envisions schools as catalysts for environmental and social transformation. By empowering students, teachers, families, and communities with practical knowledge and skills, the initiative contributes to building resilient landscapes, sustainable food systems, and healthier ecosystems.

Through strong partnerships and locally driven solutions, the project aims to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards and promote a nationwide movement for climate resilience and agroecological transition in Tanzania.