United Republic of Tanzania
Overview
The United Republic of Tanzania is experiencing significant environmental challenges linked to land degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable land-use practices. These issues threaten ecosystems, reduce agricultural productivity, and undermine rural livelihoods. In response, the Government of Tanzania has committed to restoring 5.2 million hectares of degraded land under the AFR100 and Bonn Challenge initiatives. This national commitment is guided by key frameworks, including the National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy, the Beekeeping Policy (1998), Beekeeping Strategy (2021), National Forestry Implementation Strategy (2021), and National Agroforestry Strategy (2024).
Aligned with these policy instruments, the “Supporting AFR100 by engaging with small-scale forest and farm producers” programme will be implemented in the Monduli-Karatu landscape in northern United Republic of Tanzania. The project aims to restore degraded forests, rangelands, and agro-ecosystems, while tackling tenure insecurity and weak governance. It will empower forest and farm producer organizations and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to lead landscape restoration, improve ecosystem resilience, and strengthen local livelihoods. The project also contributes to national goals and international environmental agreements.
According to the United Republic of Tanzania’s Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology, the Monduli-Karatu landscape—covering 1 021 926 hectares—faces acute land degradation, with 201 828 hectares affected. Key degradation drivers include bushfires, unsustainable harvesting, overgrazing, and poor farming practices, driven by root causes such as rapid population growth, poverty, and inadequate extension services.
A 2024 scoping study highlighted strong local readiness for restoration, identifying 533 active producer groups. These communities benefit from high levels of participation, partnership engagement, and experience in value chain development. Opportunities exist in key sectors such as beekeeping, vegetable production, maize, sorghum, and livestock. Strong organizational capacity and market access further enhance the landscape’s potential.
Given its ecological vulnerability and socio-economic readiness, Monduli-Karatu presents a strategic opportunity for impactful, community-driven restoration and value chain investment.
Objectives and targets
To provide direct financial and technical support to forest and farm producer organizations (FFPOs), communities and micro, small and medium size enterprises to scale up locally driven restoration action and to create related new or improved value-added businesses and income opportunities, particularly at local community level with a strong focus on women and youth.
Restoration targets
- Developing 2 forest landscape management plans
- Restoring 7 000 ha
- Improving management of 20 000 ha.
Key value chains to be supported
- Beekeeping
- Agroforestry
Contacts
FAO-AFR100 Programme
Geofrey Bakanga
AFR100 focal point
Dos Santos Silayo
dossantos.silayo@tfs.go.tz
FAO Country Office
Anna Lauwo
Anna.Lawuo@fao.org
General enquiries
For any other information about the programme, please contact:
Implementation
Component One focuses on strengthening local governance and sustainable financing mechanisms for forest and landscape restoration. The project aims to support and enhance the governance capacity of at least five local community organizations. It will also improve or establish at least two policies or implementation tools to boost FLR effectiveness and value chain development.
To address financing gaps, the project will build the capacity of at least two financial institutions to support forest and farm producer organizations and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, it will establish a minimum of two blended finance models to leverage public and private capital for restoration and restoration-based business investments.
Component Two aims to advance landscape-scale restoration through planning, implementation, and capacity building.
The project targets the development of three Forest Landscape Management Plans to guide restoration efforts. Approximately 7 000 hectares will be restored, while an additional 20 000 hectares will be placed under improved management practices.
To ensure long-term impact, the project will provide targeted training to at least 80 percent of community members within the landscape. The training will focus on sustainable forest management techniques and investment strategies, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive and sustain effective restoration outcomes.
Component Three focuses on business incubation and acceleration to strengthen community-based forest restoration value chains. The project targets the development of at least six business plans, each linked to tailored training for six local community groups.
These efforts aim to support the incubation and acceleration of at least six forest and farm producer organizations. Additionally, the component seeks to enhance investment mobilization capacity through mechanisms such as matchmaking events that connect off-takers and financial institutions. To facilitate market linkages, at least one business expo or networking event will be organized, engaging over ten local enterprises and potential buyers.
Component Four focuses on strengthening monitoring systems and promoting learning and knowledge sharing. The project will establish at least one effective monitoring system to track progress and outcomes. Approximately 100 individuals will be trained to ensure robust implementation and data management.
In terms of knowledge dissemination, two to three best practices and key results will be documented and widely shared at local, national, and global levels to inform restoration efforts. Additionally, awareness-raising activities will engage at least 50 participants annually, ensuring gender and youth inclusivity by targeting 50 percent women and youth participation to foster broad-based stakeholder engagement.
Key implementing partners
Forest and Farm Facility (FFF)International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
MVIWAARUSHA
World Resources Institute
E4Impact
Innovate Venture
Key targets
- Strengthen five local organizations
- Enhance two policies
- Build capacity in two financial institutions
- Pilot two blended finance models for forest and land restoration and value chains
- Develop three forest landscape management plans
- Restore 7 000 ha and improve management on 20 000 hectares
- Train 80 percent of community members
- Develop six business plans
- Support six forest and farm producer organizations
- Host one business expo
- Establish one monitoring system, train 100 people and share 2–3 best practices