Project report

Project Background

The 'Growing Is Learning' project in Tanzania is teaching farmers how to grow nutrient rich, sustainable food to better feed themselves and their families. 

In Tanzania, over half of the population lives below the poverty line. Stunting – a sign of chronic malnutrition – affects more than one third of children under five years of age. It prevents children growing and developing to their full potential, and puts them at risk of disease later in life.

Soy is high in protein and can help prevent malnutrition, making it a great addition to family diets. Soy is also sustainable and resilient to drought and climate change. It adds nitrogen to enhance the health of the soil. By farming soy, women farmers will improve their crop yields, their income and their families overall health and wellbeing.

Project Overview

In the first 6 months of this project the focus has been on identifying women farmers to participate in the project,  establishing Village Savings and Loans Groups, and regular meetings were held with community leaders and members in order to deliver the following outcomes of the project;

*Paraprofessionals are successful male and female farmers in the community who CARE trains to provide support to other farmers in their community. 

*Village Agriculture Extension Officers are local Government officials who provide agricultural outreach and support.  

Case Study: Kalista

Kalista (pictured) does not have enough food to feed her malnourished children.

However, she is one of over a thousand farmers about to participate in CARE’s Growing is Learning project. 

The Growing is Learning project is showing farmers how to grow nutrient rich, sustainable food to better feed themselves and their families. 

As well as providing seeds and tools, you are helping farmers like Kalista, learn better methods to grown and diversify their crops, improve their family’s nutrition and increase their income from accessing new markets.

What Next?

The 'Learning is Growing' project will continue to reach the following objectives within the next 6 months period;

• CARE will continue to train women farmers in soy production, connect them with suppliers and help them access finance through savings groups and banks. 
• To be better equipped and trained through 30 Farmer Field and Business Schools focusing on climate resilient techniques, organic fertiliser production and seed multiplication.
• Raising awareness about women’s farming knowledge and the importance of listening to women and including them in decision making about their farms and households.
• Support of men to influence positive community change.
• Continued support of women to be part of the nation’s large soy farming market. 
• Encouragement of farmers to grow soy alongside maize and diversify their crops.
• The project will nationally advocate for better conditions and representation of women farmers through working with private sector partners and key stakeholders in the soy industry.
• The project will work with local Governments agricultural extension works so they can provide more support to women farmers.

Can I Visit the Project?

Yes, please contact CARE Australia directly to mutually agree an appropriate time.