MVIWAARUSHA Hosts Delegation of 25 Students from Germany to Explore Agrifood Systems Linkages in Africa and Europe

MVIWAARUSHA recently had the privilege of hosting a delegation of 25 students from Germany, who travelled to Tanzania to learn about agrifood systems linkages between Africa and Europe. The visit was organized and coordinated by the Andreas Hermes Academy (AHA), with support from Programs Officer Ms. Marieke Behrens. The students’ visit aimed to deepen their understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, farming techniques, and the shared challenges and opportunities within the agrifood systems of both continents.

During their time at MVIWAARUSHA, the German delegation had the opportunity to engage with local farmers, gaining first-hand experience of how sustainable agricultural practices are being implemented in the region. One of the key highlights of the visit was meeting Joel Kaduma, a master trainer and beneficiary of the B/U/S training program supported by AHA. Joel, who is based in Mto wa Mbu in Monduli District, shared his insights on the practical applications of the training he received through AHA, demonstrating the tangible benefits of these programs to local farmers. His work has been instrumental in helping improve farming methods and outcomes for numerous smallholder farmers in the area.

The students also had the chance to ask questions and discuss the various farming techniques being used in the area, such as agroecology, sustainable irrigation practices, and the importance of soil health. Joel Kaduma’s experience as both a farmer and a trainer provided a valuable perspective on how knowledge transfer and capacity building can strengthen local agrifood systems and enhance food security.

The delegation’s visit continued to Karatu District, where they explored additional projects and visited farmers who had benefited from AHA’s support. The visit to Karatu highlighted the diversity of agricultural initiatives being implemented in the area, such as innovative irrigation systems and crop diversification strategies.

Two notable farmers the students met in Karatu were Florian Gitu and Editha Florian, who have been direct beneficiaries of the AHA programs. Through AHA’s support, these farmers have been able to adopt new agricultural practices that have significantly improved their yields and overall farm productivity. The delegation was able to learn about their experiences, challenges, and successes in implementing sustainable farming practices, giving them a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential of international cooperation in agriculture.

The visit was facilitated by Mr. Damian Sulumo, the Programs Officer at MVIWAARUSHA, who expertly guided the delegation through the various farm visits and activities. Mr. Sulumo’s extensive knowledge of the region’s agricultural landscape and his connections with local farmers played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the trip. His leadership provided the students with a comprehensive view of the linkages between local agricultural systems and the broader agrifood challenges and solutions in both Africa and Europe.

This visit to Tanzania provided the students from Germany with valuable insights into the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in East Africa, as well as the opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange between Africa and Europe in the field of agrifood systems. By learning about sustainable agricultural practices, the importance of training and capacity building, and the impact of international programs like those offered by AHA, the students were able to gain a deeper understanding of how both continents can work together to strengthen food systems and address global challenges like climate change and food insecurity.

MVIWAARUSHA, AHA, and all the local farmers involved in the visit hope that this exchange will inspire further collaborations and innovations in the agri-food sector, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of both African and European agricultural communities.