Shiwakutatz

🌱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗨𝗔: 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

On 5th June 2026, SHIWAKUTA proudly joined over 100 key stakeholders at the Stakeholders' Feedback Workshop on the Agroecology Policy Scoping Study held at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). This powerful convergence of government leaders, researchers, farmers’ representatives, civil society organizations, and media marks a defining moment in shaping Tanzania’s agroecological future. Through collective reflection on the study findings, participants engaged in rich dialogue - transforming evidence into actionable insights and reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable, resilient, and people-centered food systems.

The workshop offered a vital platform for inclusive participation, where diverse voices contributed bold recommendations aimed at strengthening policy direction and accelerating the transition towards agroecology. SHIWAKUTA stands encouraged by the strong momentum and unity demonstrated - affirming that agroecology is not just an alternative, but a necessary pathway for environmental sustainability, food sovereignty, and improved livelihoods. The call is clear: we must move forward - together, faster, and with purpose.

🌼 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

- 🌿 Over 100 stakeholders united across sectors for a shared agroecology agenda
- 📊 In-depth review of the Agroecology Policy Scoping Study findings
- 🗣️ Dynamic exchange of ideas and inclusive stakeholder participation
- 🤝 Strengthened collaboration between government, farmers, CSOs, and researchers
- 🚜 Clear and collective call to advance agroecology in policy and practice
- 🌍 Renewed commitment to sustainable food systems and resilient communities

Tanzania

Happy World Environment Day
Photo Credit@mviwaarusha

𝗟𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿-𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗜 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝟯-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

SHIWAKUTA was among the key stakeholders that participated in the celebration of the Farmers Organizations Leading Research Innovation Project's {FORI} achievements over the past three years, implemented by its member MVIWAARUSHA, in collaboration with development partners including WE EFFECT and AgriCord, the project has played a significant role in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the districts of Karatu, Arusha DC, and Monduli.

The event, held in Arusha region, not only focused on celebrating the achievements and positive impact of the FORI project, but also was the platform to discuss in depth the sustainability of project for smallholder farmers communities.
Various discussions formed part of this important event. Among the topics discussed was the role of policy and advocacy in ensuring the sustainability of farmer-managed seed systems. The discussions focused on policy challenges affecting these seeds, as well as the necessary steps to protect, preserve, and ensure their availability for present and future generations.

A detailed explanation was provided by Mr. Thomas Laiser, the Policy and Advocacy Officer of SHIWAKUTA, together with Mr. Richard Masandika, the SHIWAKUTA Coordinator. They outlined various challenges that prevent these seeds from being legally recognition. Also highlighted ongoing efforts by SHIWAKUTA and the Seed Working Group of Tanzania (SWGT) at the national level to ensure that smallholder farmers’ seeds are recognized, protected, and further developed for the benefit of communities..

🌿🌸 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 .

SHIWAKUTA is proud to be recognized for its exemplary institutional governance, training, and extension of Ecological Organic Agriculture principles at scale. This certificate of appreciation, awarded during the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Conference held in Dodoma in March 2026, reflects our collective commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture in Tanzania.

🌼 Our celebration today highlights:
🌸 Strengthened institutional leadership and coordination
🌸 Capacity building through inclusive training initiatives
🌸 Scaling up ecological organic agriculture practices nationwide
🌸 Promoting sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the conference organizers and all partners who continue to walk this journey with us. Together, we remain committed to transforming agriculture for a healthier environment, resilient communities, and a sustainable future.

🌿 SHIWAKUTA – Growing Sustainability, Empowering Communities 🌿

🌱 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗪𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗧𝗔 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗗𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗮, 𝟮𝟴 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Today, SHIWAKUTA is actively participating in the National Seed Stakeholders Forum 2026 in Dodoma, where the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde, not only officiated the forum but also inaugurated the National Seed Industry Development Strategy - a major milestone toward strengthening Tanzania’s seed sector as a foundation for food security and trade. The Strategy takes a holistic approach, with a strong focus on advancing formal seed systems, particularly hybrid and open-pollinated varieties (OPVs).

As this important strategy takes shape, SHIWAKUTA continues to advocate for: 1. Meaningful inclusion of smallholder farmers in seed systems governance
2. Equitable access to quality, affordable, and diverse seeds
3. Complementarity between formal and farmer-managed seed systems
4. Protection of farmer rights alongside sector commercialization

SHIWAKUTA remains committed to ensuring that implementation delivers real impact on the ground - empowering farmers, strengthening resilience, and advancing a food-secure Tanzania for all.

𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗪𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗧𝗔 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 | 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝗗𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗮🌱🌽

Today, 28th May 2036, SHIWAKUTA is honoured to participate in the 2026 National Seed Sector Stakeholders Forum in Dodoma, convened by the Ministry of Agriculture. This high-level platform brings together diverse actors across the seed value chain to shape a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking seed sector for Tanzania.

Graced by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde (representing the Minister), the forum reflects strong national commitment to advancing the seed industry as the backbone of food security and agricultural transformation. SHIWAKUTA proudly amplifies the voice of smallholder farmers - ensuring they remain central in these critical conversations.

Under the theme “Strengthening Seed Systems for Food Security and Trade,” SHIWAKUTA is actively advocating for:
1. Inclusive seed policies that recognize and protect smallholder farmers
2. Strengthened access to quality, affordable, and diverse seeds• Promotion of indigenous seeds and agroecological practices
3. Fair and transparent seed markets that work for farmers
4. Enhanced collaboration between farmers, researchers, and policymakers

As discussions unfold, SHIWAKUTA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening their role within the seed value chain, and contributing to a food-secure, economically vibrant Tanzania. Together, we can build seed systems that truly leave no one behind.

Congratulations to our members of {MVIWAARUSHA and JUWAWATA} the Networks of Smallholder Farmers and Pastoralists from Arusha and Tabora regions, for representing SHIWAKUTA excellently during the National World Bee Day Celebrations held in Tabora Region from 20th to 22nd May 2026.

Through the knowledge you provided to communities on the importance of bees in sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation, and through agroecological farming practices, you have made a significant contribution to raising awareness and encouraging society to appreciate the vital role of the beekeeping sector in sustainable agricultural development.

Your dedication has greatly contributed to strengthening public understanding and promoting the importance of bees in building resilient and sustainable agricultural and environmental systems.

The climax of the celebrations, held under the theme ‘Bee Conservation for the well-being of the environment and our nation, was led by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji.

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𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮🌱🌽
These are indigenous seeds managed by smallholder farmers that contribute to food security, improved nutrition, resilience to climate change, and the sustainability of agricultural systems.

In addition to these benefits, smallholder farmers who are members of SHIWAKUTA have continued to undertake various efforts to ensure that communities recognize the importance of these seeds. These efforts include raising public awareness through different platforms organized by SHIWAKUTA at the national level, in collaboration with its development partners.

The major concern of smallholder farmers is the legal recognition of the seeds they own and manage. In response, various efforts are being undertaken by the Seed Working Group Tanzania (SWGT), including SHIWAKUTA, to ensure that the agenda for the legal recognition of indigenous seeds continues to progress.

This agenda seeks to safeguard farmers’ freedom and right to produce, preserve, and exchange their indigenous seeds through a free, participatory, and sustainable system.
Among these efforts is the participation of the Seed Working Group Tanzania (SWGT), including SHIWAKUTA, in strategic meetings held from April 14 to 15, 2026 in Dodoma region.

During these meetings, they have met with the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Daniel Chongolo, and the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Business, and Industry, to discuss and strengthen the sustainable future of farmer-managed seed systems in the country.
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SHIWAKUTA is proud with development done by its members, including the establishment of training centres that empower farmers and visitors to learn practically, exchange experiences, and strengthen their skills through agroecological farming practices.

Among these members is the Network of Smallholder Farmers and Pastoralists in Morogoro Region (MVIWAMORO), which has established a training centre in Msimba Village, Kilosa District. The centre is used as a classroom for providing practical knowledge.

Key areas of education offered by the centre to farmers include the preservation of indigenous seeds through seed banks, environmental conservation through tree nurseries, vegetable garden and various technologies used in beekeeping.

SHIWAKUTA believes that those centres help strengthen food security and nutrition in the country and bring about positive changes in combating climate change through environmental conservation.

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𝗨𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗶𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝘄𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗼 𝘃𝘆𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗳𝘂𝗻𝘇𝗼: 𝗡𝗷𝗶𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗽𝗼 𝘆𝗮 𝗸𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗮 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝘂 𝗸𝘄𝗮 𝗷𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗶.

SHIWAKUTA inajivunia maendeleo yanayofanywa na wanachama wake, ikiwa ni pamoja na uanzishwaji wa vituo vya mafunzo vinavyowawezesha wakulima na wageni kujifunza kwa vitendo, kubadilishana uzoefu, na kuimarisha ujuzi wao kupitia mbinu za kilimo ikolojia.

Miongoni mwa wanachama hao ni Mtandao wa vikundi vya Wakulima na Wafugaji Wadogo Mkoa wa Morogoro (MVIWAMORO), ambao umeanzisha kituo cha mafunzo katika Kijiji cha Msimba, Wilaya ya Kilosa. Kituo hicho kinatumika k**a darasa la kutoa elimu kwa vitendo.

Maeneo muhimu ya elimu yanayotolewa na kituo hicho kwa wakulima ni pamoja na uhifadhi wa mbegu za asili kupitia benki za mbegu, uhifadhi wa mazingira kupitia vitalu vya miti, pamoja na teknolojia mbalimbali zinazotumika katika ufugaji nyuki.

SHIWAKUTA inaamini vituo k**a hivi vitasaidia kuimarisha usalama wa chakula nchini, pamoja na mabadiliko chanya katika kukabiliana na mabadiliko ya tabia nchi kupitia utunzaji mazingira.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮.

Godson Sivitie, a member of the Network of Smallholder Farmers and Pastoralists in Manyara Region (MVIWAMA) and also a member of SHIWAKUTA, is among the smallholder producers performing well in natural cocoa production activities through agroecological farming practices.

In addition to being a farmer, he is also a small-scale entrepreneur in this crop. After harvesting cocoa from the farm, he processes it to add value, aiming to improve its economic benefits and promote business growth.

Below are some of the various health benefits of the natural cocoa.
• Helps to improve mental health and mood while reducing stress.
• Supports nervous system health.
• Protects brain cells.
• Improves sleep quality.
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
• Helps remove toxins from the body.

Additionally, through various platforms organized by SHIWAKUTA at the national level for small-scale entrepreneurs to participate in and showcase their products, he has continued to share knowledge about the importance of this product with other farmers and entrepreneurs.

SHIWAKUTA proudly recognizes the efforts of its members to enhance food security through sustainable food systems.
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