Visit of the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Hon. Dunstan L. Kitandula to the EAMCEF Field Interventions

From August 1st to 8th, 2024, the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF) facilitated a visit of the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT), Hon. Dunstan L. Kitandula. The visit was primarily organized to highlight on a few field projects supported by the EAMCEF in the Northern Zone including projects on conservation of Protected Areas, Community Development, and Livelihood Improvement in Tanga and Kilimanjaro Regions. During the trip, the Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Director of Forestry and Beekeeping, Mr. Deusdedit Bwoyo, and the tour was led by the EAMCEF Executive Director, Mr. Francis B. Sabuni. Recognizing the crucial role of MNRT in Natural Resource Management—through enforcing Conservation Policies, overseeing Wildlife and Forest Management, and fostering Tourism Growth—the Deputy Minister is expected to continue advocating for elaborate support from both the Government and other Potential Donors.

Hon. Kitandula had the opportunity to explore a few field projects across Korogwe, Mkinga, Lushoto and Same Districts with escort from the District Safety and Defence Committees. Prior to field visit and meeting with project beneficiaries, all project briefings were presented and discussed at the District Commissioner’s Offices. 

The tour started in Korogwe District, where the Deputy Minister visited Mseko Primary School Conservation Initiatives that included tree nurseries and woodlots management. He further explored the WASAMKWA Beekeeping Group, observing their production potential and contribution to poverty reduction. Impressed by the support provided by EAMCEF, he encouraged the Beekeeping Group to expand their efforts to maximize production and realize greater benefits. 

Moreover, the trip extended to Mkinga District whereby Hon. Kitandula made a stopover at  a project dedicated to the use of fuel-efficient Stoves. This initiative offers training and education to Communities and Schools around the Nilo Nature Forest Reserve, aiming to ease the pressure on the forest and its biodiversity. On top of that, it also benefits women’s health by preventing smoke inhalation, as the Stoves are designed to channel all smoke outside through a Chimney. He subsequently launched a fuel-efficient Stove at Kuze Primary School. In addition, he looked into a Soil and Water Conservation project utilizing contour farming, which has allowed communities on steep terrain to double their crop yields by retaining nutrients and water. Hon. Kitandula praised the effectiveness of contour farming in enhancing soil and water conservation. 

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister went to Lushoto District and met with the Chairperson of Yoghoi Avocado Farming Group, supported by the EAMCEF, in producing grafted Avocados which enables the group to generate income and significantly reduce poverty. The Deputy Minister encouraged the communities to pursue Avocado farming, pointing out its long-term benefits for poverty alleviation. Similarly, he looked into conservation initiatives at Magamba Nature Forest Reserve, where he praised the EAMCEF’s support in maintaining nature trails and constructing a Campsite, which improved access to the reserve and provided an avenue to appreciate its beauty. At the Kighuluhakwewa Camping Site Restaurant, the Deputy Minister commended EAMCEF for its contribution to boosting the tourism sector.

The final field trip concluded in the Same District, where Hon. Kitandula explored the Chome Nature Forest Reserve to observe its routine management. He observed a forest rehabilitation project that involved planting of indigenous trees in an area previously destructed by illegal alluvial gold miners, with financial support from EAMCEF after their eviction. Finally, the Deputy Minister also toured a school’s Avocado Farm, encouraging students to persist with Avocado Farming and noting that by planting Avocado Trees at home, they could generate income in 3 to 4 years to help cover their education expenses.

During the tour, Hon. the Deputy Minister urged all stakeholders to continue supporting conservation efforts in the Eastern Arc Mountains, a critical biodiversity hotspot and vital provider of ecosystem services such as food, water, hydroelectric power, carbon sequestration, and fertile agricultural land. He praised the EAMCEF’s immense contribution to support Conservation of Protected Areas, Community Development and Livelihood Improvement. The Deputy Minister pledged his support as an advocate for EAMCEF within the Government and among potential donors, stressing the need to continue and expand the ongoing efforts.