@FAO

Morogoro, Tanzania – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations hosted the official closing ceremony for the EU-funded ACP MEAs 3 project in Morogoro. This event marked the successful conclusion of three years of collaborative effort aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and environmental sustainability in Tanzania.

The event was graced by the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture, along with District Executive Directors from Kigamboni, Kilosa, Kilolo, Mbarari, Karatu, and Same.

During the event, the guest of honor Mr. Gerald Mweli the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the significant contributions of FAO and other partners who played a vital role in the success of the ACP MEAs 3 project, which has had a positive impact in transforming the agricultural sector in the country over the past three years of project implementation.

 “This project has been a beacon of progress and innovation in our agricultural sector. The achievements we celebrate today are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together towards common goals. Let us continue to build on this foundation, ensuring that our agricultural practices are sustainable, productive, and inclusive” added the guest of honor.

He also mentioned the support from the development partner, the European Union, which has played a significant role in funding the project.

The FAO Representative applauded the government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for their commitment to transforming agriculture by creating an enabling environment for farmers to thrive. She also acknowledged the support from the Ministry of Agriculture, President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government Tanzania (PO-RALG), and the Office of Vice President of which made it possible to implement the project and achieve the remarkable outcomes we are witnessing today.

“As we reflect on these accomplishments, it is important to recognize the ongoing commitment needed to sustain and build upon these successes. The partnerships we have developed with local communities, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations remain key to ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives”. Said Dr. Tipo Nyabenyi FAO country representative.

Since its launch in 2021, the ACP MEAs 3 project has made remarkable strides in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation reaching a total of 1,269 direct beneficiaries through established 23 farmer field schools and 4,148 indirect beneficiaries. Supporting 300 beekeepers with modern beehives and other improved beekeeping materials valued at $35,000. Providing 360 farmers with gender-responsive farm tools (Jab planters) valued at $20,400.

The project has also Regenerated 5 hectares of degraded mangrove forestry. Identifying 24 Highly Hazardous Pesticides for deregistration. Supporting the review process of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) by generating data through wetland assessments. Conducting soil fertility assessments to aid farmers in making informed decisions on fertilizer application and crop choice. Developing resource materials for Integrated Soil Fertility Management and Integrated Pest Management to enhance the delivery of quality extension services among many other interventions.

Apart from the guest of honor, the ceremony was also attended by Regional Agricultural Advisors from Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Iringa, Mbeya, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro. Key project technical team members from various ministries and organizations, including the Ministry of Agriculture, VPO, TPHPA, TAMISEMI, AGENDA, SAT, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism – TFS, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and MVIWATA, also participated. District focal persons and farmers representatives from the six project districts, and members of the press were present to witness the event.

This closing ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of the ACP MEAs 3 project but also underscored the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainable agricultural development and environmental conservation in Tanzania.

Background

Tanzania’s food and agriculture biodiversity is threatened by an increasing population, (projected to increase to 59.8 million by 2025) which in turn leads to overexploitation, pollution, increased use of chemical pesticides, and genetic erosion of crops, livestock, trees, and fish. Therefore, the need to use and conserve biodiversity for food and agriculture on a sustainable basis cannot be over-emphasized. Restoring and protecting Tanzania’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity requires a good understanding and knowledge of the resource base and capacity to do so.

To tackle these challenges, FAO, in partnership with the European Union, supports environmental sustainability through improved environmental governance and the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The target MEAs are the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS), and indirectly the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Among the four outputs of this project, output 2 aims to promote the implementation of measures that support producers in transitioning to more sustainable, resilient, and productive production systems, as well as to facilitate their access to innovative solutions, adaptive-management training, and financial and non-financial incentives. Best ecosystem-based practices that generate multiple global environmental and socio-economic benefits are scaled up, linking landscape-level ecosystem management with improved food security and poverty reduction at the community level.

Contact Information:

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Diomedes Kalisa – FAO National Project Coordinator

[email protected] /+255755660507

Victor Mapile – FAO Communication for Develeopment Specialist

[email protected]/ +255753067086