Envirocare June 2024 Activity Report
Executive Summary
Envirocare, under the Passport to Coffee Export (PACE) project of the Agri-Connect Program, aims to promote sustainable and inclusive sector development through a robust export-oriented coffee value chain by 2024. In collaboration with Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Expertise Centre and the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI), the project targets 22,500 coffee farmers across Ruvuma, Mbeya, and Songwe regions.
In June 2024, Envirocare successfully conducted multiple activities focusing on gender inclusivity, nutrition sensitivity, and climate change education.
Key Activities and Achievements
1. Village Sensitization Campaigns
- Conducted 20 campaigns in Mbeya and Songwe regions.
- Reached 2,528 community members (1,396 males and 1,132 females).
Topics covered:
- Gender equality and women’s rights
- Youth and women empowerment
- Nutrition sensitivity to combat malnutrition
2. Training Programs
- Provided training to farmers on innovative agro-systems, climate-sensitive agriculture, and good agricultural practices.
- Reached 17,153 farmers across various districts.
3. Entrepreneurship and Business Management
- Supervised and mentored Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) and incubation groups.
- Focus areas included entrepreneurship skills, business management, record-keeping, resource mobilization, and planning.
4. Nutrition and Climate Change Education
- Lead farmers and gender champions provided education at the village level.
- Emphasis on balanced diets, nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, and preventing non-communicable diseases through lifestyle changes.
5. Gender Inclusivity Training
- Addressed issues such as gender-based violence, women’s access to land and inheritance rights, and involvement in decision-making.
- Promoted the Law of Marriage Act and land and succession laws to ensure equal rights.
Challenges And Solutions
- Encountered issues such as resistance to gender inclusivity and logistical challenges in remote areas.
- Solutions included community engagement strategies and partnerships with local authorities.
Future Plan
- Continue sensitization and training programs.
- Strengthen partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
- Enhance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and impact.