Maasai livelihoods transform as agriculture gains ground in Simanjiro

MANYARA: SOME Maasai, traditionally known for herding livestock, are gradually turning to agriculture as an alternative source of income.

Mr Mathayo Olonyoke is among the living example of the successful farmers in the Maasai community residing in Simanjiro district of Manyara region. Mr Olonyoke has been involved in agriculture for more than 15 years.

Through it, he has not only managed to pay for his son’s university tuition fees but also purchased agricultural equipment including tractors.

Speaking to journalists at his farm in Orkirung’urung village in Simanjiro District, Mr Olonyoke expressed pride of being among the successful Maasai farmers. Despite using quality seeds, Mr Olonyoke said that the adoption of drip irrigation system has greatly improved productivity, allowing him to farm throughout the year.

“Currently, we do not rely solely on livestock; we see agriculture as valuable as livestock,” he said.

He further unveiled the secret behind the success saying the training received from agriculture stakeholders including BEULA seed company Limited and the Agricultural Markets Development Trust (AMDT) is the key to his success.

He said that through AMDT, they receive training on effective farming practices and how to address the challenges posed by climate change.

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“Now we no longer depend solely on rain-fed agriculture; we can grow crops at any time of the year” he said.

Mr Baraka Mathayo, the son to Mr Olonyoke and a second-year student at Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), said that his father’s farming activities have greatly contributed to his educational achievements. He promised that after completing his studies, he will use his education to encourage his community to engage in agriculture.

According to the Orkirung’urung village’s Extension Officer, Ms Jenifa Mbuya, 90 per cent of the Maasai community in Simanjiro District is engaged in farming.

She said that various efforts have been made in the district to encourage this community to embrace agriculture, including providing education on effective farming practices. Despite the push for modern farming techniques, farmers have faced challenges such as drought, which has led them to collaborate with AMDT and BEULA for training in drip irrigation.