Spice Farming in Mlesa Village: Empowering Women

Spice farming is transforming lives in Mlesa Village, thanks to support from the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF). Through this initiative, a women-led group named Kazamwendo was formed under the spice farming project to provide sustainable income while conserving the Amani Nature Forest Reserve.

This spice farming project reduces pressure on forest resources by offering villagers alternative livelihoods. The women plant trees that contribute to both environmental conservation and household earnings. The Kazamwendo group also produces and sells spice seedlings, increasing their income and supporting tree planting efforts in nearby communities.

In addition to its environmental impact, spice farming has empowered women with financial independence and boosted their role as conservation ambassadors. The project educates surrounding villages on sustainable practices, reinforcing the community’s commitment to protecting natural resources.

Overall, the spice farming initiative stands out as a successful model of how sustainable agriculture can drive both economic development and forest conservation.

Story Details

Location:
Mlesa Village, Muheza District
District Surrounding Forest:
Amani Nature Forest Reserve

KEY DATA

8 new spice nurseries established
21,000 spice seedlings sold, generating TShs 21 million
51,300 cinnamon and clove seedlings produced
6 women members in Mlesa Village, Muheza District

I have bought motorcycles for my children and bought a plot of land in Muheza. I am grateful for this project as it helps us. We will continue to plant more cinnamon trees and when we sell them, we earn money for our expenses and to educate our children.

Agness Isaya kwambaza

“In general, I have benefited from this group’s money. I have been able to build a house for my mother, contribute to household income, and even help pay for our children’s school fees. As environmental conservationists, we have been able to plant trees on our farms. I have planted two hundred trees on my farm.

Agness Tarimo

Before this project, my livelihood was poor, I had no source of income. But after this project, my situation has improved because we have been able to sell seedlings and meet our various needs. We support our children with school uniforms, books, and other family needs. We have done a great job of promoting the community through this project, and we have conserved the environment by planting trees in various areas. We are not only growing seedlings but also taking care of the environment by planting trees on our farms. The main goal of this group is to eradicate poverty, especially among women. We have seen the benefits of starting this group because we have been able to sell seedlings and plant trees on our farms. Groups have a lot of benefits, and we advise other women to join groups because unity brings many good things. We also advise fathers to allow mothers to join groups because when a mother goes out to seek income, she helps the father and the family.

Nietiwe Robert

“This project has benefited us in many ways. I have planted three hundred seedlings on my farm. Through this project, my husband and I have built a family home, bought a motorcycle for our family, bought land, and also helped my husband with household responsibilities.

Getruda Antony Kwambaza