Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) Donor’s Field Trip to Tanzania: A Visit to MVIWAARUSHA’s Implementation Areas in Monduli and Karatu Districts

On the 24th and 25th of February, a group of 17 distinguished officials, led by the MVIWAARUSHA Coordinator, Richard Masandika, and Programs Officer, Mr. Damian Sulumo, embarked on a field trip to Tanzania to witness the transformative impact of the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) program. This visit took place in the implementation areas of the Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima na Wafugaji (MVIWAARUSHA) in the Monduli and Karatu districts.

The delegation was led by the FAO Tanzania Representative, Mrs. Tipo Nyabenyi, alongside several esteemed representatives from key international bodies. These included:

• Ambassador Mr. Lieven De La Marche, Permanent Representative of Belgium to FAO
• Ambassador Ms. Krisztina Bende, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations Organizations in Rome
• Mr. Mats Aberg, Senior Programme Manager at Sida
• Ms. Ingrid Hordvei Dana, Counselor and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome, including FAO, WFP, and IFAD
• Ms. Kristin Dypedokk, Senior Advisor at Norad
• Ms. Yngvild Våge Steihaug, Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food

The purpose of the trip was to assess the progress of the FAO-supported Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) projects and the outcomes of their support in the region.

Visiting Key Beneficiary Groups and Projects

The team first paid a courtesy call to the regional offices in Arusha, Monduli, and Karatu districts, where they witnessed firsthand the positive changes brought about by the FVC-funded projects.

One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to Simba Milima Primary School, where the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) has made a significant impact. The school has been “regreened” as part of an environmental restoration effort, and a vegetable garden has been introduced to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, FFF has supported the digging of a borehole to provide a clean water source for the school, alongside the installation of solar panels to power the school’s activities.

In Dofa Village, the delegation visited Eden Group, a prominent beneficiary of the FFF project. This group has made impressive strides in sustainable agricultural and environmental practices. The visit underscored the positive effects of the FVC funding on rural communities and their ability to thrive through sustainable farming practices.

Additionally, the group visited Namelok Naisho, a Maasai women’s group engaged in beekeeping and environmental conservation activities. Through their work, they have become key beneficiaries of the FFF project, showcasing how the project has empowered women in the region to engage in both income-generating and environmental sustainability activities. Their work in beekeeping has contributed not only to local economic growth but also to preserving the environment through conservation efforts.

Strengthening Partnerships and Ensuring Sustainability

The field trip provided the FAO team and donor representatives an opportunity to directly engage with local communities and stakeholders, which allowed for a deeper understanding of how the FFF projects have been integrated into these areas. The projects in Monduli and Karatu have demonstrated the profound impact that donor support, such as that from FVC, has had on both the environment and local communities.

The visit highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between international donors, local organizations, and rural communities to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. It also provided a platform for feedback, helping to improve the ongoing projects and ensuring that the FVC funding continues to support those who need it most.

Conclusion

The Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) donor’s field trip to Tanzania was an insightful and successful visit that demonstrated the tangible results of FAO’s support through the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) project. The officials saw firsthand how sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and community empowerment positively shape the livelihoods of the people in Monduli and Karatu districts. By supporting such initiatives, the FAO and its partners are fostering long-term development in Tanzania, with the potential to inspire similar projects globally.

The visit affirmed the success of the FVC funding and reinforced the need for continued collaboration between international partners and local communities to tackle climate change, promote sustainable farming practices, and uplift rural populations across Africa.