BCfRFSP’s climate-smart agriculture practices to alleviate BBTV
18 December 2023
The Building Capacity for Resilient Food Security Program (BCfRFSP) has emerged as a transformative force to protect Tanzania’s farming communities against the harsh realities of climate change. Recognizing the vulnerabilities smallholder farmers face, this initiative has become a beacon of hope, aiming to combat challenges and revolutionize agricultural practices nationwide.
The program’s objectives were to promote Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and relentlessly combat the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) to amplify production, alleviate poverty, bolster income, and uplift livelihoods.
IITA Assistant Projects Manager Bahati Maregeri highlighted the staggering impact of the program, stating, “An astounding 262% increase in farmer and 168% increase in extension officer participation in CSA training have paved the way for the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural practices.”
The BCfRFSP’s integrated approach also emphasized soil health management, distributing Afya soil test kits to extension officers. These kits, procured from IITA’s soil analytical laboratory in Dar es Salaam, empowered farmers to make informed decisions, resulting in amplified crop yields and enhanced farming techniques.
The resounding success of the Afya soil kit prompted the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) to advocate its adoption in diverse agricultural projects nationwide. IITA Farming System Agronomist Frederick Baijukya noted, “The widespread acceptance has led to initiatives like the Kilimo Tija Project procuring 15 kits and a MoA order for 300 Afya soil test kits for distribution among extension officers.”
Efforts to combat the devastating impact of BBTV were equally robust, encompassing awareness campaigns, resource mobilization, and strategic measures to curtail disease spread. These initiatives included regulations on planting material movement and establishing a robust banana seed system, crucial steps in disease control.
To bolster the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the BCfRFSP established model farms showcasing small-scale solar-powered drip irrigation technology. John Nakei from SAGCOT highlighted the impact: “Twelve model drip irrigation farms covering 25 acres, employing solar, gravity, and electric systems, have demonstrated crop resilience in challenging weather conditions.”
The program’s reach extended beyond fields, impacting education. Through a comprehensive CSA campaign, the program engaged 242 extension officers and 3,718 farmers, including significant female and youth participation. Students hailed the significance of CSA modules in equipping them to understand and innovate solutions for climate-related challenges faced by farmers.
The BCfRFSP stands tall as a symbol of transformation, instigating a profound agricultural revolution in Tanzania and paving the way for resilient, sustainable farming practices amidst adversities posed by climate change.
Contributed by Hadi Rashid
