USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity Monthly Report February 2024

In February 2024, the Activity accomplished several key objectives. Capacity building for local government authorities was a primary focus, with 51 members of the Ifakara Town Council management team and Ward Councilors receiving training on biodiversity conservation, connectivity, and climate change. The training aimed to deepen their understanding of the significance and urgency of biodiversity conservation and the protection of the Nyerere Selous - Udzungwa corridor. The Activity also conducted a Participatory Local Organizational Capacity Assessment (P-LOCA) tool in Biharamulo and Kakonko district councils to assess and identify existing capacity gaps. The results of this assessment will inform both the Activity and the respective local government authorities on designing and implementing capacity-building interventions. In addition, the Activity trained 20 journalists in reporting on biodiversity conservation issues and mainstreaming gender in conservation. The training covered a range of topics, including combating illegal forest activities, addressing wildlife crime from a global standpoint, understanding climate change, exploring gender issues in biodiversity conservation, and harnessing the influence of storytelling in wildlife conservation efforts. Private sector engagement in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management was also a key objective, with the Activity facilitating Public-Private Dialogues in Mbeya and Tabora regions. The dialogues aimed to raise awareness and promote sustainable investment practices, as well as private sector-led initiatives to combat wildlife trafficking in the Ruaha Rungwa - Katavi and Ruaha Rungwa - Inyonga corridors. Market linkages for organic spice farmers were established through a grant to Golden Food Products (GFP) Organics Limited, which purchased 2,058 kilograms of cloves from 22 organic spice farmers in the Amani - Nilo corridor. The Activity also established eight Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) with 120 members in the Amani - Nilo corridor and 14 VSLAs with 294 members in the Ruaha Rungwa - Katavi corridor to facilitate financial linkages. A youth-led enterprise focused on the organic spice value chain was established in the Amani - Nilo corridor, with 15 members (8 males and 7 females) receiving training on sustainable spice harvesting and processing practices. The Activity also provided training to VSLA members on various financial aspects, including savings and social fund management, share-related calculations, VSLA management, leadership and management skills, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and record-keeping. Overall, the USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity is working to promote biodiversity conservation and natural resource management in Tanzania through capacity building, private sector engagement, and market linkages for organic spice farmers.