Programme Mid-Term Impact Report (2018–2020)
Partner Organization: Bunda Farmers Development Support Organization (BUFADESO)
Project: Agroforestry for Smallholder Farmers Sustainable Development
Reporting Period: 2018 – 2020
The ALIVE Programme supports smallholder farmers in Tanzania to improve livelihoods through agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, financial inclusion, and community empowerment.
Implemented by BUFADESO, the programme works closely with farmers, local government authorities, schools, and civil society organizations in Bunda District and surrounding areas to strengthen resilience to climate change while improving agricultural productivity and income.
Programme Impact at a Glance
Key Achievements (2018–2020)
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4,567 farmers reached through programme interventions
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300,282 trees planted for climate resilience and agroforestry
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11 environmental school clubs established
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75% of supported farmers practicing VSLA savings schemes
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3.5 tonnes of improved maize seeds distributed
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100 irrigation farmers supported through improved irrigation schemes
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52 agricultural extension officers trained on agroforestry
These achievements demonstrate the programme’s contribution to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods.
Context: Bunda District Development Challenges
Despite economic growth in Tanzania, rural communities in Bunda District continue to face several development challenges, including:
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Limited access to productive agricultural inputs
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Human–wildlife conflict near Serengeti National Park
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Climate change impacts such as drought and soil degradation
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Limited financial services for smallholder farmers
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High rural poverty levels
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further affected farmers due to:
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Restrictions on gatherings and markets
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Rising prices of agricultural inputs
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Reduced employment opportunities
The ALIVE Programme was designed to address these challenges through sustainable farming systems and community empowerment.
Strengthening Civil Society and Farmer Organizations
One of the key programme goals is to strengthen local civil society organizations so they can effectively serve farmers.
Key Organizational Achievements
BUFADESO strengthened its governance and organizational capacity by:
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Reducing the Board of Directors from 20 members to 9 members to improve efficiency
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Establishing three operational committees for governance and management
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Conducting annual general meetings regularly
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Revising organizational constitution and operational manuals
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Expanding operations from district level to national level NGO registration
The organization also initiated construction of its permanent office building to ensure long-term sustainability.
Empowering Women and Youth
The programme prioritizes gender equality and youth participation in leadership, decision-making, and economic activities.
Youth Engagement
Eleven environmental clubs were established in primary and secondary schools including:
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Bitaraguru Primary School
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Kasahunga Primary School
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Nyamuswa Primary School
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Bunyunyi Primary School
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Sizaki Secondary School
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Nyamang’uta Secondary School
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Kunzugu Secondary School
Each club has 20 students (10 boys and 10 girls) who participate in:
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Tree nursery establishment
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Environmental conservation education
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Horticulture production
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Entrepreneurship training
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Women groups were supported to participate in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA).
Example:
The Upendo Women Group from Kabasa increased their share value from TZS 2,000 to TZS 3,264 per share during their savings cycle.
Through VSLA participation, women have been able to:
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Start small businesses
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Pay school fees for children
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Invest in farming activities
Strengthening Farmer Advocacy and Accountability
The programme introduced Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) to empower farmers to monitor public development projects.
A monitoring team composed of:
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Local government officials
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Farmers
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Civil society representatives
evaluated several public agricultural projects including:
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Nyatwali Irrigation Scheme
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Kisangwa Farmer Field School
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Serengeti Crop Market
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Tractor distribution programme
Major Outcome
Through advocacy and engagement with government authorities, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided funding to repair the Nyatwali irrigation pump system, enabling farmers to resume irrigation farming.
Increasing Agricultural Productivity
The ALIVE programme has strengthened farmers’ capacity to improve agricultural production through Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (SALM) practices.
Farmer Field Schools
Demonstration plots were established in:
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Ketare Ward
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Sazira Ward
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Nyamang’uta Ward
These plots helped farmers adopt improved agronomic practices.
Results
Crop yields increased significantly:
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2018: 4–5 maize bags per acre
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2020: 8–12 maize bags per acre
This improvement was achieved through:
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Use of improved seeds
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Better soil management
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Climate-smart farming techniques
Improving Farmer Income and Financial Inclusion
To improve farmers’ economic resilience, the programme promoted:
Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA)
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75% of participating farmers are now members of savings groups
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Farmers access affordable loans for business and agriculture
Value Addition
Farmers were trained in processing and marketing value-added products including:
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Sunflower oil processing
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Cassava flour production
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Honey production and packaging
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Batik making and soap production
These activities diversify income sources for rural households.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Climate change is a major challenge for farmers in the region. The programme promoted several climate-smart strategies.
Agroforestry
Between 2018 and 2020:
300,282 trees were planted in:
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Schools
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Farmlands
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Homesteads
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Water catchment areas
These trees help:
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Improve soil fertility
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Reduce soil erosion
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Provide shade for crops and livestock
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Increase carbon sequestration
Climate-Resilient Crops
Farmers adopted:
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Early-maturing maize varieties
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Drought-tolerant cassava varieties
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Lentils and sorghum
Improved cassava variety “Mkombozi” is now being multiplied by farmer groups and distributed to other farmers.
Renewable Energy Adoption
Communities are gradually adopting clean energy solutions:
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2 households using biogas systems
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357 households using solar energy systems
Many farmers finance solar systems through loans obtained from VSLA groups.
Responding to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic affected programme activities due to restrictions on gatherings and markets.
Key responses included:
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Introducing digital training approaches for farmers
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Supporting farmers through 50/50 cost-sharing seed distribution
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Distributing 702 bags of maize seeds to ensure food security
Expanding Partnerships
The programme collaborates with several partners including:
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Local Government Authorities
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SeedCo Tanzania
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ANSAF
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INADES Formation Tanzania
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Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
These partnerships strengthen knowledge sharing and sustainability of programme outcomes.
Key Lessons Learned
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Community facilitators play a crucial role in project implementation.
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Strong organizational systems are essential for effective project delivery.
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Financial sustainability is important to manage delays in donor funding.
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Preparedness for unexpected crises such as pandemics is necessary.
Looking Ahead
To maximize programme impact, the following recommendations were made:
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Extend project duration to allow long-term behavioural change among farmers.
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Increase investment in training materials and outreach tools.
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Strengthen resource mobilization strategies for organizational sustainability.
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Expand agroforestry interventions to reach more farmers.