FOLUR Tanzania Project: Transforming Agriculture and Ecosystems in Kilombero Valley and North Unguja

The Food Systems, Land Use, and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program is a $345 million, seven-year initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the World Bank.

Morogoro, Tanzania, November 30, 2024 – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, in partnership with the SAGCOT Centre and other key stakeholders, convened a pivotal two-day workshop in Morogoro on November 29–30 to advance the Food Systems, Land Use, and Restoration (FOLUR) project in Tanzania. This transformative initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by WWF Tanzania, aims to harmonize agricultural productivity with ecological restoration in Kilombero Valley (Mainland Tanzania) and North Unguja (Zanzibar).

The FOLUR project addresses pressing environmental and agricultural challenges, including deforestation, wetland degradation, and inefficient farming practices, while fostering food security and sustainable economic growth.

Project Goals

Speaking at the official launch, Mr. Wanjala John Mgaywa, National Coordinator of the FOLUR project, highlighted the initiative’s focus areas:

• Kilombero Valley: A critical rice production hub threatened by deforestation, wetland loss, and fragmented wildlife corridors.
• North Unguja: A landscape struggling with extensive land degradation, unsustainable farming, and water scarcity.

“The project aims to restore ecosystems, strengthen agricultural value chains, and promote sustainable land use management through reforestation, wetland rehabilitation, and climate-smart farming practices,” Mgaywa stated.

Collaborative Platforms for Change

The workshop emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, with Mr. Selebon J. Mushi, Assistant Director of Forest Development, underscoring the role of established platforms like the Kilombero Landscape Multi-Stakeholder Platform. He remarked:

“Effective use of these platforms will be prioritized as a key mechanism for fostering synergies among implementing partners.”

The project also leverages lessons from the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT), which has demonstrated the potential for integrating agricultural development with ecosystem preservation. The National Green Reference Group, led by the Vice President’s Office, will guide efforts to scale this approach nationally.

Partner Commitments

Representatives from the Ministry of Water, Ministry of Agriculture, and local leadership from Kilombero and Morogoro reaffirmed their commitment to the project’s objectives. Partners such as WWF Tanzania and IUCN highlighted their roles in supporting sustainable practices and conservation initiatives.

Mr. John Banga, SAGCOT Kilombero Cluster Manager, emphasized the private sector’s involvement:
“SAGCOT, in collaboration with the Rice Council of Tanzania, will analyze opportunities, develop business cases, and foster partnerships between the public, private sector, and civil society to ensure sustainable agricultural value chains.”

Holistic Impact

The FOLUR project aims to transform agricultural landscapes in Kilombero and North Unguja by enhancing the value chains for rice, cloves, and cocoa. Key interventions include:

• Ecosystem Restoration: Reforestation, wetland rehabilitation, and protection of biodiversity hotspots.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: Promoting climate-resilient and resource-efficient techniques.
• Market Access and Value Addition: Enhancing agro-processing and connecting farmers to markets.

FOLUR seeks to create a scalable model for sustainable agriculture across Tanzania and beyond by addressing challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

Participants expressed optimism about the project’s potential to align Tanzania’s agricultural ambitions with global environmental goals. This collaborative approach ensures that Kilombero Valley and North Unguja will serve as shining examples of balanced growth and conservation.

The Food Systems, Land Use, and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program is a $345 million, seven-year initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the World Bank. It aims to transform global food and land use systems by promoting sustainable, integrated landscapes and efficient commodity value chains. FOLUR operates through a Global Platform and 27 country projects, targeting eight major commodities: beef, cocoa, corn, coffee, palm oil, rice, soy, and wheat.

The program addresses critical environmental challenges, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, which are often driven by unsustainable agricultural practices. By fostering collaboration among governments, the private sector, financial institutions, land managers, research institutions, and civil society, FOLUR seeks to implement sustainable land management practices and restore degraded landscapes. This integrated approach aims to achieve systemic environmental change while supporting human well-being, resilience, and economic growth.

FOLUR’s Global Platform supports and coordinates implementing agencies, participating countries, and core partners to achieve transformational impact. It promotes the program’s integrated approach and disseminates results to various stakeholders. Core partners include the International Finance Corporation, Global Landscapes Forum, Good Growth Partnership, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Food and Land Use Coalition. Together, they work to build sustainable landscapes that benefit both people and the planet.