Funded by CFLI and supported by Global Affairs Canada
In the heart of Tanzania’s Usambara Mountains, women are leading the way in climate-smart agriculture. With the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Global Kilimo Smart has made significant progress in empowering smallholder women farmers through sustainable farming and carbon sequestration practices.
From August 2024 to January 2025, the project successfully established five demonstration plots in the villages of Migambo, Kwefingo, and Mkuzi Juu. These plots now serve as training and experimentation hubs for 163 women farmers, who were equipped with tools, seeds, and climate-smart techniques to improve resilience and crop yield. In addition, 28 participants, including 23 lead farmers and five extension officers, participated in a specialized Training of Trainers program, enhancing local expertise and ensuring knowledge transfer across communities.
A strong gender focus has been central to the project. Of all participants trained so far, 80% are women. Training sessions were scheduled around women’s responsibilities, with efforts made to include female mentors and prioritize women’s leadership in the emerging farmer groups. Input distribution was tailored to the realities women face—such as access to smaller plots and fewer farming resources.
Despite weather variability, the initiative has remained on track. By engaging local male leaders and ensuring inclusive planning, previously identified gender and participation risks have been addressed effectively. Monthly support visits by extension officers continue to guide the 163 trained women, with a focus on sustainable growth and climate adaptation.
As the project moves into its second year, Global Kilimo Smart is set to train 160 more women in innovative techniques such as Push-Pull horticulture, targeting crops like carrots and tomatoes. New farmer groups will also be formed to strengthen collective action, mentorship, and peer learning.
This initiative highlights how targeted climate-smart training and gender-responsive support can unlock the full potential of women farmers, build local resilience, and create lasting environmental impact.
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