Tanzania

Project overview

Agriculture is a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy and livelihoods, with around 80% of producers being smallholder farmers and more than two-thirds of the rural population depending on agriculture. Food systems are therefore central to economic growth, food security and poverty reduction.

However, current production systems, particularly rice, livestock and aquaculture, place significant pressure on natural resources. Expansion into fragile ecosystems such as wetlands and watersheds is driving biodiversity loss and degradation of ecosystem services, which in turn affect productivity, food security and livelihoods. Land degradation, deforestation and inefficient resource use further exacerbate these challenges, while climate change intensifies their impacts.

Production systems are also constrained by low productivity, limited access to finance, weak value chains, inadequate infrastructure and limited technical capacity. Gender inequalities further restrict access to land, finance and opportunities, particularly for women. These factors limit the ability of food systems to deliver sustainable and inclusive outcomes.

In response, the Government of Tanzania is advancing food systems transformation through national strategies and participation in the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Program. This project supports that transition by promoting integrated, sustainable and resilient food systems that balance improved production with environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development.

Our approach

The project takes a systems-based approach to transform food systems in the Usangu landscape by strengthening governance, financing, production practices and knowledge systems. It improves coordination across sectors and levels of government, strengthens planning frameworks and supports multi-stakeholder platforms to enable more coherent and inclusive decision-making.

The project enhances access to finance by developing tailored financial mechanisms, strengthening public–private partnerships and providing targeted support to smallholders and small and medium enterprises, including business and financial skills development.

At the landscape level, it supports the implementation of integrated management plans, the restoration of degraded areas, and the adoption of sustainable practices across rice, livestock, and aquaculture systems. It also strengthens extension services, promotes innovation and improves value chains to increase productivity, resilience and income opportunities.

Knowledge generation and learning are central to ensuring that good practices and lessons are captured, shared, and scaled up through national systems and global FSIP platforms.

Sites

The project focuses on the Usangu landscape in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.