Agroforestry Programme Start-up Lushoto District, Tanzania

Organic Hill Farming Programme Lushoto District, Tanzania 

Introduction of Syntropic Agroforestry Trainings effected in November 2025

1. Short explanation

Syntropic Agroforestry Systems or food forests are a unique form of agroforestry inspired by the functioning of natural forests in space and time. They are forests adapted to the respective agroe-cological zone, where various edible and fodder plants are planted together with trees. The goal is to create a sustainable, self-sufficient system that produces food, fodder for ruminents and wood, thus promoting biodiversity and benefiting the environment, without any inputs from out-side.

Syntropic Agroforestry was developed by the Swiss farmer and researcher Ernst Götsch, who developed the method from 1974 onwards in Germany, Namibia, Costa Rica and Brasil.

The method is built on the following 5 basic principles:

1. Always keep soil covered

2. Maximize photosynthesis

3. Stratification of plant layers

4. Succession in time

5. Active management

Key features of Syntropic Agroforestry:

• Biodiversity: A food forest consists of multiple layers of plants, from tall trees to ground cover. This mimics the natural structure of a forest and fosters a healthy, diverse eco-logy. • Sustainability: The system is designed to sustain itself without external inputs like syn-thetic fertilizers or pesticides. • Production: By combining edible and fodder plants with trees, a food forest can offer a variety of food items for human consumption, such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, and herbs as well as fodder for domestic animals and wood.

2. Start-up in the Usambara Mountains – Why?

Mambo (Lushoto District) and its surrounding area has a very high and still increasing population density. The intensive cutting, slashing, burning and farming of the hilly country including the very steep slopes on the Northern edge of the Western Usambara Mountains over the last decades has resulted in an immense destruction of productive land. As a result the area faces tremendous soil erosion as well as soil depletion.

Syntropic Agroforestry can therefore further enhance the Push & Pull – production method introduced to the area by Organic Hill Farming Company Ltd. since 2016. It should

1. Rebuild Soil Fertility
2. Lead to sustainable Land Use
3. Improve Local Food Security
4. Increase Biodiversity Conservation
5. Reduce Erosion Control and soil depletion

As a matter of fact Syntropic Agroforestry should intergrade the elements of Push & Pull between it’s tree lines as an efficient upgrade of the method. 

3. Piloting Syntropic Agroforestry in Mambo area

3.1 Syntropic Agroforestry start-up in Mambo area

During the first two weeks of November 2025 two Agroforest demonstration plots were established in Mambo area. One plot was created in collaboration with MamboViewPoint, a commu-nity-oriented lodge, and the other on a local farm in Chambogo. Both plots were established as part of a two-day-training at each venue. 

With the establishment of these two plots Organic Hill Farming Company Ltd. seeks to find out, what the establishment initially involves, whether the local farmers are sufficiently interested in adapting the method and what support they will require to enable a larger scale Agroforestry Programme

3.2 Budget for the two trainings at the two venues

The effective cost for the preparation and execution of the two trainings including establishment of the two plots amounted to the following: 

The establishment of the two demonstration plots therefore amounted to 7’015’211 TZS or 2’238 CHF including all training material.

During the two trainings a total of 41 farmers were trained in the subject including some 5 guest participants and Mambo View Point personnel, so that they can now disseminate it to their com-patriots.

4. Preparation of the trainings

These steps were taken to prepare and carry out the two trainings:

5. Training programme

5.1 Preparation phase

The preparation of the trainings started on 21st October under the responsibility of Oliver Mrosso along the guidelines of Aron Katosho. 

The preparation activities consisted in: 

• Sourcing and provision of the necessary inputs at the sights of training in advance of each training
• Selection of participants for each training
• Provision of accommodation and food for external experts (Aron, Alex, etc.) in agreement with Mambo View Point
• Organization of provision of food and beverages during each training in agree-ment with the owners of the training plots
• Sourcing of possible laborers for the two trainings, if required

5.2 List of recommended species for high altitude areas 

The following possible species (seedlings or seed) were recommended for the trainings:

5.3 Required and sourced inputs for each training

5.4 Training programmes

5,4,1 Training at Chambogo village

 

Project report One Health Usambara – Rabies 2025

 

One Health Usambara is a charity project working to improve human health through improving animal health and welfare. One of its most important missions is preventing the spread of rabies, a deadly but preventable disease, through large-scale dog vaccinations.

Rabies-infected animals cross from Makomasi National Park into the Western Usambara region, where local dogs can become infected. Because many of these dogs are cared for by children, they are at a higher risk than adults.

This year, our dedicated team vaccinated an incredible 1,806 dogs; 600 more than last year! Thanks to this effort, the “protective ring” of vaccinated dogs now stretches past the original hub of eight villages around Mambo, down the mountain ridges and out across the plains to Mnazi. As well as keeping people safe, the project teaches families how to care for and train their dogs, strengthening the bond between them.

The project is supported by Linda and Owen Glenn, veterinary surgeons from Northern Ireland, and organised locally by Juma Tupa,  Chairman of Usambara Green Nourishers NGO and Headmaster of Sunga Secondary School, together with Marion and Herman from MamboSteunPunt. Over the years, seven local vets and seven auxiliary officers have been trained to safely handle, health-check and vaccinate dogs. They work to a very high standard and are trusted in the local communities. This not only ensures top-quality care but also creates local employment, making the program more sustainable.

Linda and Owen have funded the project since the beginning. But to help it grow further, reaching more villages and protecting more families and dogs, additional sponsorship is needed and greatly appreciated.  

If you’re visiting the Usambaras, you may even come across our teams at work in the villages. 

Visit the Google maps with all locations where the vaccination has been done

Report Bridge The Gap 2024

 

BRIGDE THE GAP PROGRAM 2024

During October-December 2024 76 students joined the Bridge the Gap program.

Bridge the Gap was launched with the objective of bridging the educational gap for primary school students, going to the secondary school in Sunga Ward. The project focused on providing comprehensive training in three key areas: computer literacy, English language, and science subjects. This initiative sought to enhance the students' academic and practical skills, better preparing them for future educational and career opportunities.

If you want to support this program for 2025 you can donate via

 https://www.mambosteunpunt.org/donations/

Project Closeout Report: Bridge the Gap
Project Title: Bridge the Gap
Project Duration: 16^th September 2024 to 13^th December
Location: Upendo Secondary School, Sunga Ward, Tanzania
Project Manager: Juma Tupa 

Objective:

• To provide access to quality education for underprivileged children, ensuring that no child is left behind.
• To improve learning outcomes and academic performance of these children through tailored educational programs.  
• To enhance the overall well-being and future prospects of the children by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life.

Project Overview:

Bridge the Gap was launched with the objective of bridging the educational gap for students in Sunga Ward. The project focused on providing comprehensive training in three key areas: computer literacy, English language, and science subjects. This initiative sought to enhance the students' academic and practical skills, better preparing them for future educational and career opportunities. 

Key Achievements:

 1. Computer Literacy:

•   Conducted workshops covering basic to advanced computer skills.
•  Introduced students to essential software applications, internet use, and digital literacy.
  
•  Installed a computer lab with 8 more computers for hands-on learning.

 2. English Language:

•  Implemented intensive English courses focusing on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills.
•  Organized interactive sessions, including debates and group discussions, to improve spoken English.
  
•  Provided access to English learning materials, including books and online resources.

 3. Science Subjects:

•   Delivered engaging lessons in physics, chemistry, and biology.
•   Conducted practical experiments to enhance understanding of scientific concepts.
  
•   Invited guest speakers from local universities to inspire and motivate students.

Impact:

•   Trained 76 students, significantly improving their computer, English, and science skills.
•   Increased students' confidence in using technology and communicating in English.
  
•   Enhanced students' readiness for secondary education and future career opportunities.
  
•   Fostered a culture of curiosity and learning among the students. 

Challenges:

•   Language barriers and varying levels of prior knowledge among students.
•   Ensuring consistent attendance and participation. 

Lessons Learned:

•   The importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to track progress.
•   The value of engaging local educators and community members in the project.
  
•   The need for flexibility and adaptability in addressing students' individual needs. 

Sustainability:

•   Established a partnership with local schools to continue offering English classes.
•   Trained local teachers to take over the science curriculum. 

Conclusion:

The Bridge the Gap project successfully achieved its goal of equipping students in Sunga Ward with vital computer literacy, English language, and science skills. The project not only enhanced the students' academic performance but also empowered them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue higher education and future careers. Moving forward, the established partnerships and sustainable practices will ensure the continued impact and growth of this initiative.

If you want to support this program for 2025 you can donate via https://www.mambosteunpunt.org/donations/