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Rural Development in Masasi,Tanzania

November 8, 2005

By pwrdf

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Tanzania: Pew Bulletin Story September 2004

14 villages in southern Tanzania benefit from the projects carried out by the Anglican Diocese of Masasi’s Rural Development Integrated Programme.  Its vision and practice are broad and encompass projects in clean water and sanitation, fish farming, crops and livestock, gender equality, environmental conservation and nutrition. 
The Diocesan Development Coordinator works closely with villagers in order to develop their skills.  For example, in the nutrition projects, people receive training in food production, processing, and conservation.  Farmers are taught how to improve their crops, how to conserve and process food, so that they can ensure their food security. 
Here are some of the results of diocesan projects in the years 2001-2003:

  • A 90-acre maize production farm was established.  100 farmers have benefited from the improved seeds. 
  • Twenty farmers received training on how to improve cashew nut production.  Twenty acres of land were planted with 675 improved trees.  Production increased from 300 to 400 kilograms per acre.
  • Eight underground ferro-cement water tanks were constructed in 7 villages, benefiting 5,641 community members.
  • Twelve shallow-wells were also built in five villages, serving a total of 7,847 community members. 
  • A borehole was built in one village, with 1,923 people now benefiting from clean water. 
  • All together, 14,411 people have access to clean drinking water and, as a result, they are no longer vulnerable to water-borne diseases.
  • About 867 families raise dairy cows.  297 families keep dairy goats. 
  • 67 families are fish-farming in a total of 235 fishponds.

Before any project is implemented, participants receive training in sound environment practices, including agro-forestry and soil conservation.  Beneficiaries are equally chosen from both genders, and receive training within the projects on gender sensitization.  Vulnerable groups such as widows are given priority in participating on projects.

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