The Agroecology Hub in Tanzania (AEHT) secretariat carried out a 4-day evaluation and planning retreat at Utengemano Peace Building Center, Zanzibar. The purpose of the retreat was to revisit and review progress of activities done in 2023 and development of the workplan for 2024. A total of ten researchers active participated. Prof. Dismas Mwaseba, the project investigator was a chairperson of the retreat activities.
AEHT members review of the 2023 progress report
Prof. Anthony Sangeda, Dr. Newton Kilasi and Dr. Siwel Nyamba working on development of curriculum on agroecology for extension workers
Prof. Kalunde Sibuga, Dr. Devotha Mosha and Dr Suzan Nyanda developing AE Hub policy briefs no. 2
AEHT secretariat had an opportunity to meet with two partners Dr. Mwatima Juma and her team who owns the Practical Permaculture Institute of Zanzibar (PPIZ) and Msonge Organic Family Farm. It was learned that the Practical Permaculture Institute of Zanzibar (PPIZ) and Msonge Organic Family Farm were established in 2015. The area occupies 5 acres of land where permaculture is practiced. The farm has different components including an organic vegetable garden, agroforestry, grey water management, rainwater harvesting, compost and biogas making plant and tree nursery.
One of the lessons learned from this visit was that in Zanzibar the market for ecologically produced products is available at reasonable or high prices. It was informed that the number customers who bought agroecological products from the Msonge organic family farm increase every day indicating an increase in demand of agroecological organic agricultural food products.
AEHT members listening to Dr. Mwatimwa Juma, owner of Msonge Organic Family Farm during the farm visit
