Morogoro, Tanzania — At the bustling Nane Nane Eastern Zone Agricultural Exhibition in Morogoro, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) brought forward a compelling vision: integrating cutting-edge agricultural technologies with environmental conservation to secure Tanzania’s future.
Speaking at the AGCOT pavilion, Alexandra Mpwaga of AWF emphasized that their showcase was designed to provide farmers with practical, high-impact solutions that increase productivity while safeguarding natural ecosystems.
“Our approach covers the entire value chain — from cocoa farming to spices — showing how farmers can achieve more with less: less land, less water, fewer seeds, yet higher yields,” Mpwaga explained. “When productivity per acre rises, farmers don’t need to expand into conservation areas, thus preserving vital ecosystems.”
Key themes presented by AWF included:
- Agroforestry and river health preservation.
- Waste management innovations, such as controlled composting.
- Beekeeping for income diversification and forest conservation.
- Best practices in mountain farming to prevent soil erosion and protect hydroelectric power generation.
The exhibition also highlighted the role of research institutions like TARI, financial institutions such as CRDB Bank offering Green Financing for climate-smart agriculture, and other conservation partners demonstrating real-world solutions.
Mpwaga noted the critical importance of managing agricultural waste, citing examples like sugarcane farming where excessive tin can disposal could harm rivers and public health.
Over eight days, AWF and its partners engaged directly with more than 1,518 visitors, with extended reach through online platforms and national media coverage estimated to impact over 5 million people.
“This business-to-business model is powerful,” Mpwaga concluded. “It connects stakeholders, facilitates knowledge exchange, and exposes farmers to technologies they might never encounter outside Nane Nane. Together, we are building a smarter, greener agricultural future for Tanzania.”