Tree-Nation's Latest Initiative: Forest Gardens in Tanzania

By: John Bett, Africa Regional Project Manager

We're embarking on a new, exciting journey in Tanzania, initiating the Forest Gardens project in the Simiyu region, nestled between Lake Victoria and Serengeti National Park, as of October 2023. 

This region, despite its natural beauty, has seen the detrimental impacts of decades of unsustainable agricultural practices, leading to degraded lands, nutrient-depleted food systems, and farming families struggling to meet even their most basic needs.

Fig. 1. Forest Garden start point in Tanzania.

The Forest Garden approach is more than just planting trees; it's about revitalizing communities and ecosystems. By providing farmers with a diverse array of nutritious crops, we're enriching their tables and enabling them to tap into markets all year round. This not only enhances access to food and boosts income from the outset but also positively impacts the environment. This additional income becomes a key to unlocking opportunities, such as education for their children and other vital investments to uplift their living standards.

Fig. 2. Flourished forest garden in Tanzania. 

How it works: approximately 1 acre, nurtured by a farmer or a farming family, right on their land. Picture around 2,500 trees, the majority of which find their roots in the first two years, especially within the “Living Fence” that encircles the Forest Garden. As we step into the third and fourth years, the remaining trees are thoughtfully positioned to maximize benefits for the farmer’s Forest Garden. 

Fig. 3. Local Tanzanian farmers with fruits from their Forest Garden. 

This project doesn’t just bear fruits; it sows seeds of change in Tanzania by intertwining livelihood enhancement with reforestation. It’s a dual impact that safeguards and rejuvenates the environment while ensuring local communities not only sustain but elevate their quality of life. We are going to work with 600 farmers and plant 2 million trees. 

Join us on this exciting journey, where every tree planted is a step towards a greener, more prosperous future for the communities in Tanzania.