Growing businesses to build climate resilience
After the UK’s hottest summer on record, it’s no surprise to anyone that climate change is not a distant future threat – and we’re far from the only ones experiencing the impact.
In coastal regions of Tanzania, people are experiencing increased frequencies of droughts, flooding and strong winds. Farmers we have worked with over the last three years have been implementing climate adaptation plans – to protect their land, and their livelihoods.
We wanted to introduce you to some of the farmers who have developed new enterprises and implemented sustainable practices in their farms and community:
Jamanne Kassim and his wife Salma are beekeepers, whose honey business has expanded from 10 hives to 60. They’ve helped replace traditional beehives, which damage trees, with modern hives, protecting the forest whilst providing more profit for them.
“This year we couldn’t farm due to heavy rains, but because we had a large honey harvest, my family has been able to thrive.”
Farmers in the Pamoja Tunaweza group joined together to produce cooking stoves and sell them locally. These stoves are more efficient, resulting in a more than 80% reduction in firewood fuel usage, and improve air quality for those cooking.
“The biggest issue we faced with the traditional stoves was the smoke from the wood. The fire affected our chest, back and legs significantly. Our health was really impacted, but with these modern stoves, we have found great relief.”
Fatuma Masoud used to raise 10 to 20 chickens, and now has a flock of 150 birds, more than tripling her income, and allowing her to support her family.
“I have been able to support my younger sister, who is in fourth grade, by covering her school fees.”
Jamanne Kassim making honey
Pamoja Tunaweza group making cooking stoves
Fatuma Masoud, poultry farmer