Morogoro: In order to strengthen the farmers and combat poverty, the organization for sustainable agriculture Tanzania (Sat) has asked farmers, in particular those involved in growing vegetables, to diversify themselves in poultry and fish breeding. The idea is to increase your income and help you free yourself from the chains of poverty.
During a training session in the Mvomero District in Morogoro region yesterday, Rashid Byangwam, the project coordinator from SAT has an integrated agricultural system, a group of 40 farmers from four different groups. The farmers were taught how to combine poultry farming, fish farming and harvest cultivation into a seamless and profitable system.
Mr. Byangwam explained that chicken manure is used as a fish feed in this system and that the water is then implemented as a organic fertilizer for plants. This not only saves money for feed and fertilizers, but also increases the general productivity of the farm. “The integrated system enables farmers to make more money in less land,” said Byangwam with a broad grin because he assured the farmers that they could now have the best of both worlds: eggs, fish and vegetables – all from the same property.
The project, known as a prison (promotion of ecological agriculture and the municipal economy), is financed by the European Union and aims to promote ecological agricultural practices and at the same time improve environmental compatibility.
Mr. Byangwam emphasized that the integrated system contributes to preserving the environment, helping with waste management and reducing the risks of climate change, which affects agricultural productivity worldwide.
“You can now grow your vegetables, put on chickens and manage fish while keeping your ecological footprint minimal,” he said. “It is like being three for one when it comes to agriculture!”
The main goal was to strengthen the farm community in order to improve their standard of living and at the same time promote sustainable agricultural practices. The integrated agricultural system is a win-win situation because it reduces the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and contributes to the health of the country and the surrounding ecosystems.
Sat director Janet Maro emphasized the urgency to take over these practices. “Tanzania is one of the countries most affected by climate change,” she emphasized, adding: “The municipalities have to shift to ecological agriculture to protect our environment and to secure a sustainable future.”
She also said that ecological agriculture without industrial chemicals is affordable and easy to implement for small farmers. “As farmers shift towards ecological agriculture, farmers not only protect their livelihood, but also protect the environment for future generations,” she said with a smile, clearly passionate for her mission.
Ms. Janet also emphasized that this approach is not only about sustainability, but also about economic strengthening. “It is about ensuring that farmers have enough to live and thrive well. By combining poultry and fish breeding with harvest production, you get more ways for income and increase your resilience against market shocks and climate change, ”she urged.
As if he repeated Ms. Janet's feelings, Mr. Byangwam encouraged the farmers to take full advantage of the opportunity to take advantage of them. “This integrated system not only helps you with survival-to thrive,” she said, adding that it could be particularly effective for the areas affected by poverty. She also noticed that, apart from the improvement of nutritional security, this approach gives the opportunity to generate several income flows from the same property.
Farmers who took part in the training were enthusiastic about the idea. “It's great!” said a farmer, visibly excited. “I didn't know that chicken manure could be used to feed fish! And the water from the fish ponds as a fertilizer? This is incredible! I'll try that at home. “
Some even promised to become ambassadors for this integrated agricultural model and promised to distribute themselves to other farmers who have not yet had the chance to take part in such an apprenticeship.
“I learned so much today and can't wait to go back and to implement this on my farm,” said another farmer. “It will not only help me to earn more, but also protect our country and our environment. In addition, my family has fresh fish, eggs and vegetables all year round! “
In fact, the new approach promises to increase productivity and at the same time improve the quality of life of farmers, reduce waste and to protect the environment. It is like giving agriculture a green makeover. And who doesn't love good, environmentally friendly revision?
Afterwards she cut off the session by asking more farmers and the community as a whole to take part in the shift to ecological agriculture. “We all have a role to play,” she said. “This is not just about farmers – it's about the entire community. By taking over these methods, we can create a sustainable future for ourselves, our children and our planets. “
For his part, Mr. Byangwam summarized the lessons of the day: “If we really want to be successful, we have to think outside the box. This integrated agricultural system is the future. It is time to make agriculture a company that works for the environment and its bag! “
The integrated agricultural system could be a player for many Tanzanian farmers. With the combined efforts of community leaders, organizations such as Sat and the farmers themselves, Morogoro can very well become a model for sustainable agricultural practices across the country.