1.0 Introduction

Tanzania's rich biodiversity serves as a cornerstone for its ecosystem services and economic development. Approximately 80% of the rural population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. The agricultural sector significantly contributes to the country's economy, accounting for over a quarter of the GDP and providing 85% of exports. Recognizing this, the National Agriculture Policy aims to cultivate a profitable agricultural industry that not only sustains economic growth, but also improves Tanzanians' livelihoods and alleviates poverty.

2.0 Agricultural Transformation and Its Impacts on Biodiversity

Since independence, Tanzania has pursued the transformation of its agricultural sector through commercialization, modernization, technological advancement, and infrastructural development. This shift involved the private sector in agricultural production, processing, marketing, and the provision of support services. However, the move towards mechanized farming and traditional practices like shifting cultivation have led to habitat destruction, land degradation, and significant biodiversity loss.

The expansion of agriculture has particularly affected wetlands, crucial for maintaining ecological balance, with areas such as the Ihefu Wetlands and Ruaha River experiencing severe degradation. The National Environmental Policy (NEP 2021) highlights the alarming rate at which modernized farming practices contribute to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and pollution. Given the adverse impacts of agricultural intensification, Tanzania has embraced transformative approaches, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific knowledge to promote sustainable and resilient food systems.

3.0 Government Initiatives to Promote Agroecology for Conservation

The Tanzanian government has undertaken various initiatives to promote agroecology as a strategy for biodiversity conservation. Agricultural Extension Services focus on agroecological principles, offering training programs on organic farming and agroforestry to equip farmers with sustainable practices (Mando et al., 2017; Tunyagi et al., 2020). Research institutions like the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and Sokoine University of Agriculture are at the forefront of agroecology research, supported by government backing and international collaborations (Kihanda et al., 2020; Muchena & Chitere, 2018).

Left: Farmers work on one of the agroecology illustrative farms in Morogoro, Tanzania;

Right: a family community are practicing agroecology farming in their farm

We have introduced community-based programs to integrate agroecology into local conservation efforts. Organizations such as the Tanzania Alliance for Biodiversity (TABIO) and the Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) aim to protect agricultural biodiversity by promoting environmentally friendly farming systems. These initiatives not only foster biodiversity conservation but also enhance food sovereignty. Moreover, Tanzania collaborates with NGOs and international organizations, including WWF and FAO, which provide technical support, funding, and capacity-building to amplify agroecological efforts (WWF, 2020; FAO, 2019).

4.0 Agroecology as a means of preserving biodiversity

In 2022, the government developed the National Environmental Master Plan for Strategic Interventions (NEMPSI) to guide strategic and coordinated environmental interventions. Tanzania is home to the world's 10th highest number of IUCN Red Listed threatened species, with approximately 2,100 species facing extinction risks.

Right: Agroecology strategy an instrument to promote farming practice which retain soil fertility and conserve biodiversity. Left: Mixed crops farming,  one of the methods of retaining soil fertility and biodiversity.

Recognizing unsustainable agriculture as a primary cause of biodiversity loss, the government formulated the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy (NEOAS) in 2023. This strategy promotes agroecological practices, integrating ecological principles into farming to achieve sustainability and resilience. Agroecology improves ecosystem stability while lowering reliance on synthetic inputs (Altieri, 1999; Perfecto et al., 2009). It does this by encouraging diverse farming systems through crop rotation, intercropping, and agroforestry.

A farmer is harvesting leguminous plant/crop which is the most rich in protein kind of biodiversity  and  one of the plant (leguminous) which maintain soil fertility 

Agroecology also plays a crucial role in improving soil health by promoting techniques like composting and reduced tillage. This not only enhances soil structure and fertility but also mitigates soil erosion, which is vital for sustainable agriculture (Giller et al., 2009; Scherr & McNeely, 2008). Furthermore, agroecology promotes efficient water use through methods like rainwater harvesting and precision irrigation, which are crucial for conserving water resources and maintaining aquatic biodiversity (Lal, 2004; Pretty et al., 2006). Additionally, agroecological methods such as biological pest control and the use of pest-resistant crops reduce the environmental impact and enhance ecological health (Gliessman, 2014; Altieri, 2002).

5.0 Agroecology and KMGBF/NBSAP Implementation

The Vice President's Office (VPO), responsible for biodiversity conservation, for the time being is in the development of National Biodiversity targets derived from KM GBF, in order to promote agroecology in the biodiversity conservation process, the VPO has integrated NEOAS objectives into the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). For instance, GBF Target 1 aims to enhance the protection and conservation of terrestrial habitats by at least 30% from degradation to reduce biodiversity loss by 2030.

Left: One of the team of expert illustrating the NBSAP review participants on the importance of biodiversity; Right: following the presentation on the importance of biodiversity during the NBSAP inception workshop

This involves strengthening and scaling up community-based natural resource management practices, where agroecology will be one of the initiatives.

Similarly, Target 2 focuses on ensuring that at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and coastal ecosystems are under effective restoration to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functions by 2030. Agroecological practices will be central to achieving these restoration efforts, including the preparation and implementation of restoration plans for degraded areas through ecological practices.

The Deputy Minister (center) Mr.Khamis Hamza Khamza in a group photo with NBSAPs experts during the the development of NBSAP national targets 1 August 2024, at The National Carbon Monitoring Center, University of Sokoine, Morogoro Tanzania.

Target 10 emphasizes promoting biodiversity-friendly practices in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry to support long-term productivity and food security. This target aims to promote agroecological practices to households and the private sector, with the goal of preventing biodiversity loss and enhancing biodiversity variety across landscapes. Target 10-2 specifically focuses on enhancing agroecological practices, including agroforestry, for local communities to improve crop productivity and food security. We expect the implementation of this sub-target to promote sustainable use of non-conventional biodiversity products and advance traditional crop-livestock management technologies.

These national targets, derived from global biodiversity frameworks (GBF Targets 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 21, and 23), highlight the country's commitment to promoting agroecological practices for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. They offer a thorough approach to guarantee the alignment of agricultural practices with ecological principles, thereby preserving biodiversity.

Expected Outcomes

We expect the successful implementation of the NBSAP to enhance biodiversity conservation through diversified farming systems and agroforestry projects. Agroecological practices such as composting and reduced tillage will improve soil health, increase water retention, and prevent soil erosion, thereby protecting water resources. These practices, by fostering ecosystem resilience, will aid in the preservation of vital biodiversity habitats that would otherwise face degradation.

Furthermore, many national targets will promote community-based programs that engage local populations in conservation efforts. These programs will not only enhance agricultural yields but also foster environmental stewardship, demonstrating the dual benefits of agroecology for both food production and biodiversity conservation (Mason et al., 2019; Mungatana et al., 2021). The holistic approach of agroecology integrates biodiversity conservation into agricultural landscapes, thereby enhancing the long-term sustainability of both ecosystems and human livelihoods.

7. Expected Challenges

Despite the promising outlook, implementing agroecological practices faces several challenges. Financial constraints are a significant barrier, particularly for local communities that need support in transitioning to agroecological systems. Most of these communities require knowledge and resources to adopt sustainable practices effectively. Additionally, investors in the private sector often prioritize higher production with little regard for biodiversity conservation, indicating a need to educate them on the benefits of agroecology for human health and ecosystem sustainability.

Knowledge gaps among farmers and extension workers pose another challenge. Expanding educational programs and practical training on agroecology can enhance its adoption (Doss et al., 2018; Bationo et al., 2019). While policies supporting agroecology exist, their implementation can be inconsistent due to inadequate political will and limited enforcement capacity. Therefore, agroecology and biodiversity conservation education and awareness for policymakers are crucial to foster and enforce the application of agroecological practices in biodiversity conservation.

8.0 Recommendations

We recommend the following actions to maximize the impact of agroecology in Tanzania:

1. Financial Support: Collaborate with development partners to secure funding for agroecological practices, thereby supporting sustainable biodiversity conservation.
2. Education and Training: To address knowledge gaps, expand education programs and introduce agroecology education at the primary school level. Developing comprehensive curricula and providing practical training can facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
3. Policy Implementation: Strengthen policy enforcement and stakeholder engagement to ensure agroecological strategies translate into tangible outcomes.
4. Research and Innovation: Invest in research to adapt agroecological practices to local conditions. Collaborative research with international partners can drive innovation and provide practical solutions.
5. Model Expansion: To amplify their impact, replicate successful agroecological models across different regions, promoting best practices and lessons learned.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s integration of agroecology into its biodiversity conservation framework represents a proactive and sustainable approach to development. By aligning agricultural practices with ecological principles, the government addresses the twin challenges of food security and environmental protection. Despite observing positive outcomes, the continued success of these initiatives hinges on overcoming challenges such as resource limitations, knowledge gaps, and inconsistent policy implementation. By building on these practices and addressing obstacles, Tanzania sets an example for global efforts to harmonize agricultural practices with biodiversity conservation, offering valuable insights for achieving sustainable development and preserving our planet's biodiversity.

References

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Bationo, A., Waswa, B., & Ohiokpehai, A. (2019). Soil fertility management and sustainable agriculture in Africa. Springer.

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Gliessman, S. R. (2014). Agroecology: The ecology of sustainable food systems. CRC Press.

Mungatana, E., Mumbi, P., & Iqbal, N. (2021). Engaging stakeholders in agroecology policy development in Tanzania. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 19(4), 589-606.

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