Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), and Arusha Regional Farmers Network Organization (MVIWAARUSHA), have  partnered  with  We-Effect, Agricord,  European Union,  the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)  in implementation of Farmers Leading Organization Research and Innovation (FORI) project. The core project objective is to increase women and youth-lead research and active participation in sunflower value chain.

A team of researchers from TARI Selian center and official from MVIWAARUSHA visited the leading farmer researchers in Arusha DC, Karatu and Monduli districts to evaluate the progress of demo trials under FORI project. The demo trials are based on sunflower with leguminous intercropping. The team visited Qurus and Endabash villages-Karatu district, Ekenywa and Losikito villages-Arusha DC, and Tukusi and Ngarashi villages-Monduli district.

The team witnessed well managed demo trials and farmer researchers shared their success stories. The project has motivated farmer researchers to realize the potentiality of sunflower in income generation; livestock feeding; and agro-ecological sustainability; The project through various initiatives, has trained farmers on making plant-based pesticides from locally available plants. The team also evaluate the accuracy of data collected on the recommended information specified by the project.

 Farmer researchers gave testimonies on how their farming practices have tremendously changed through FORI project. For instance Yohana Loramatu from Ekenywa village has learnt how to design pits for moisture conservation in the farm, how to make natural pesticides derived from locally available plants, how to use the plant remains as the animal feeds, and how to use effectively and efficiently the small size land for high productivity

The FORI is targeting to reach 4200 farmers in three districts implementing the project.  This will significantly raise the income of farmers engaging in sunflower value chain.

Researchers discuss with farmer researcher. Mr. Clemence Massay on progress of sunflower demo trial under FORI Project