USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity Monthly Report January 2024

In January 2024, the Activity accomplished several key objectives. One of the main goals was to support GFP Organics Limited in finalizing its 5-year strategic plan, which will serve as a guiding framework for the organization's efforts to access export markets for organic spices, amplify trade opportunities, and fortify the capacity of spice farmers in sustainable farming practices, organic certification, and agribusiness. The Activity also recruited nine mentors and experts from reputable organizations to support a youth mentorship program. The program involves pairing academically trained youth with a strong interest in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management with mentors who are seasoned experts in these fields. The mentorship program is slated to commence later this quarter following the recruitment of mentees. In addition, the Activity facilitated a journalist mentorship program for 44 trained journalists through a grant to Nukta Africa. The program aimed to enhance biodiversity conservation reporting at the local level by providing journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality outputs. The mentorship transitioned to a virtual format, primarily focusing on the story production process, and mentors reviewed drafts and advised journalists on areas of improvement. The Activity also conducted sustainable spice farming techniques training to a total of 149 spice organic farmers from various villages within the Amani-Nilo corridor. The training covered topics such as soil and water conservation techniques, composite making and mulching, mixed farming practices, establishment of terrace bunds and ditches, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture. The trainings enhanced spice farmers' knowledge on fire management techniques and beekeeping for pollination to reduce fire-related threats and increased productivity through guaranteed natural pollination. Furthermore, the Activity conducted post-harvest management training to 139 participants from various villages. The training aimed at strengthening the capacity of spice farmers on processing, value addition, proper grading, and packaging. The knowledge gained from the training will empower farmers to access reliable international markets by mastering post-harvest handling management techniques. The Activity also supported the Muheza District Council and Ministry of Agriculture to retain access to international organic spice markets by conducting trainings on compliance to USDA-NOP and EU guidelines for spice farmers and 32 ward extension officers. The trainings focused on food safety protocols in accordance with USDA-NOP and EU guidelines. In response to GFP's commitment to align with EU guidelines, the company successfully maintained partnerships with other organic spice buyers within the EU block. Representatives from SONNENTOR Kräuterhandels GMBH, an EU spice buyer from Austria, visited GFP in Muheza District to verify the actions taken by the company to avoid further contamination in spices from Muheza District and thus retain access to the EU market. The Activity also trained 216 beekeepers from 15 villages in the Ruaha Rungwa – Katavi and Ruaha Rungwa – Inyonga corridors on sustainable honey production. The training focused on sustainable beekeeping practices, including the use of beehives, honey harvesting, and bee health management. Overall, the USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity made significant progress in January 2024 in supporting the preservation of natural resources in Tanzania. The Activity's efforts to strengthen institutional capacities, increase private sector engagement, and promote sustainable natural resource management will have a positive impact on the country's biodiversity conservation and natural resource management efforts.