Restoring nature in Makatapola: A story of change

IRINGA: IN the small village of Ipingu Makatapola in Iringa District, Tanzania, life heavily depended on natural resources. Villagers often cut down trees for firewood and grazing, leading to significant environmental degradation.

However, hope arrived with the Vice President’s Office (VPO) project with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) project, which aimed to restore natural resources and reduce deforestation.

The VPO and IUCN began its initiative in Ipingu-Makatapola by addressing the community’s pressing challenges. They organised meetings with villagers to discuss the impact of deforestation and the importance of preserving their environment.

It became clear that the excessive cutting of trees was not only harming their surroundings but also threatening their livelihoods. Thus, IUCN initiated a programme to educate the community on sustainable practices.

The project included training sessions on best agricultural practices and livestock management. Villagers learned how to rear dairy goats, providing them with an alternative source of income without the need to destroy forests.

The spirit of community collaboration blossomed as villagers united in their efforts to restore their environment. They formed a volunteer group namely Nanyorai, dedicated to tree planting as well as raising dairy goats.

Each member understood their vital role in reviving natural resources. Together, they learned how to care for the newly planted trees, ensuring their growth and sustainability despite the lack of water.

The Nanyorai group Secretary, Ms. Anna Ashery, explained that they realised they no longer needed to rely solely on cutting down trees for firewood; the dairy goats provided a sustainable source of income and nutrition. She noted that the restoration of natural resources led to cleaner air and water, fostering a more resilient community.

Ms. Ashery shared that their project began with just 20 goats and with the support of IUCN they received an additional 95 goats, significantly benefiting their families.

“Our project is progressing well though we face challenges particularly the lack of a stable market for our milk. Securing a market would not only boost our family income but also enable us to expand our herd,” she stated.

She mentioned they can milk over 10 liters in the morning but leave the evening milk for the goat kids to ensure their healthy growth. Additionally, the project helps them meet various family needs, including school fees, food and transportation for their children’s commute to and from school.

Currently, the project manages a herd of approximately 150 goats.

“This project has completely transformed our lives. Our children now have transportation to and from school and we have been able to preserve our environment. As women, we have benefited by contributing to the family income whereas previously it was only the men who provided for the entire family.”

To further boost family income, they planned to use manure for growing grass for the goats and cultivating horticultural crops. However, their efforts were thwarted by severe water scarcity in the area.

“We unable to implement a value chain for this project because the water scarcity prevented us from planting grass for our goats and engaging in horticulture while we have enough manure. A well-developed value chain could also create job opportunities for our community,” Ms. Ashery emphasised.

The Makatapola Chairman, Mr Meleji Sungula, stated that the project has helped the community preserve the environment by reducing tree-cutting and promoting sustainable practices. “It has helped them adopt modern farming practices and move away from traditional farming, which was affected by environmental degradation.”

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Nanyorai group member, Ms Neselian Ngarashi, shared that they continue to educate the community to promote environmental conservation including to protecting native trees. She emphasised that economically the project has significantly uplifted families.

By selling dairy products, women are able to contribute to their household income, improving their overall standard of living. Many women can now afford education for their children and invest in other small businesses.

Since the project’s inception, there has been a noticeable decrease in deforestation rates.

“By providing an alternative livelihood through dairy goat farming, the reliance on forest resources for firewood and grazing land has diminished. Women have become advocates for sustainable practices, influencing their families and neighbors,” Ms. Ngarashi stressed.

The Vice President’s Office Project Coordinator, Dr Damas Mapunda says that the aim of the programme is to assist in natural resource management and restoration of degraded landscapes for resilient socioecological systems.

“The existence of these groups helps reduce reliance on cutting trees for firewood as a business, shifting the focus towards more productive livestock farming,” says Dr Mapunda, adding that the project is instrumental in this transformation.

He emphasised that they will continue to support the community to ensure that environmental conservation education reaches a wide audience.

Through collaboration, education and awareness, the community has transformed their environment and livelihoods.

Today, Makatapola stands not only as a model of sustainable living but also as a beacon of hope for environmental conservation in Iringa. The VPO project represents a significant step towards empowering Maasai women while promoting environmental sustainability.

Although challenges remain, the benefits to the community and the environment are evident creating a hopeful future for both the people of Makatapola and their natural surroundings.