CROPS4HD Programme: Transforming Tanzania’s Food Systems

CROPS4HD Programme: Transforming Tanzania’s Food Systems

PROJECT TYPE: ONGOING
We’re excited to share the latest progress on the CROPS4HD (Consumption of Resilient Orphan Crops & Products for Healthier Diets) programme, implemented in collaboration wit the Tanzania Alliance for Biodiversity (TABIO) and other esteemed partners TFCG, RECODA, SAT,WORLD VEGETABLE CENTRE, FIBL, TARI as funded by SWISSAID and AFSA. Operating in Lindi and Mtwara regions, our initiative aims to address the pressing challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition in Tanzania.

Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition: Tanzania faces significant food insecurity, with a substantial portion of the population experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. In our intervention areas, acute insufficient food intake affects approximately 10% to 16% of residents, with alarming rates of child stunting. Through CROPS4HD, we’re committed to promoting dietary diversification and agroecological approaches to improve food security and nutrition for vulnerable communities.

Empowering Peasant Farmers: Central to our programme are peasant households, who often confront numerous obstacles such as limited resources, poor infrastructure, and adverse weather conditions. CROPS4HD seeks to empower these farmers by enhancing production, providing nutrition education, and facilitating market access. By strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and promoting collective marketing, we aim to elevate incomes and enhance livelihoods for rural communities.

Policy Advocacy and Awareness: Beyond on-the-ground interventions, our efforts encompass policy advocacy and public awareness campaigns. Through evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement, we advocate for policies that support Peasant Seed Systems (PSS) and agroecological practices. We’re also raising awareness among consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders about the significance of sustainable food systems and the benefits of consuming locally-produced, nutritious foods.

Collaborative Partnerships: CROPS4HD is made possible through collaborative partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders. We extend our gratitude to TABIO for their invaluable contributions as implementing partners, alongside other esteemed collaborators including local authorities, research institutions, and civil society organizations. Together, we’re working tirelessly to drive positive change and foster resilience in Tanzania’s food systems.

Under the PUSH Component: TABIO is actively engaged in various aspects of the PUSH component, contributing to the establishment and management of seed mother and baby trials in the Lindi and Mtwara regions. Working closely with TARI and FiBL, TABIO facilitates the coordination of seed distribution to farmers for the baby trials and oversees data collection in all trials. Additionally, TABIO plays a key role in capacity building efforts, conducting training sessions for project staff, partners, and farmers on seed-related topics such as production, multiplication, and storage.

Under the PULL Component: TABIO’s involvement extends to the PULL component, where it participates in organizing annual workshops to strengthen local partner capacity on advocacy methods and relevant seed topics. TABIO engages with key stakeholders, including scientists and policymakers, to promote Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) and agroecology in the policy landscape. Furthermore, TABIO collaborates in organizing seed fairs and other events to raise public awareness on seed issues and advocates for FMSS campaigns through strategic communication and research initiatives.

Empowering Advocacy and Research: TABIO collaborates closely with its members and other seed stakeholders to develop advocacy strategies and ensure their effective implementation. Additionally, TABIO is actively involved in conducting and commissioning research to gather relevant information and establish coherent evidence on seeds and FMSS. Through its robust communication tools and training approaches, TABIO aims to sensitize and mobilize stakeholders, contributing to the elaboration of joint advocacy programs for FMSS campaigns.

Continued Collaboration and Impact: TABIO’s dedication to the CROPS4HD project is evident through its participation in coordination meetings, workshops, advocacy activities, and campaign mobilization efforts. By documenting and reporting on project activities, TABIO ensures transparency and accountability, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to achieving our shared goals of enhancing food security and nutrition for smallholder farmers in Tanzania.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives: In the months ahead, CROPS4HD will be actively engaged in various events and activities, including workshops, seed fairs, and policy dialogues. These initiatives aim to mobilize support, foster dialogue, and drive positive change in Tanzania’s agricultural sector. By harnessing the collective expertise and commitment of our partners, we’re paving the way towards a future where all Tanzanians have access to healthy, sustainable food.

Stay tuned for further updates on our journey as we continue to make strides towards building resilient food systems and promoting holistic nutrition in Tanzania. Together, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of communities across the region.