Floresta Tanzania was established in August 2004 in Masia Mamba, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. With unpredictable weather and a rapidly expanding population, Tanzanian farmers face a daily battle against unavoidable circumstances in their quest to provide for their families. Floresta has been able to come alongside and provide the physical and spiritual tools needed for them to change their situation.
Twenty one communities are now directly working with Floresta Tanzania, implementing the bio-intensive agriculture techniques they have learned. Hundreds of family gardens have been established, and the high rate of farmer-to-farmer promotion is impressive, as it multiplies the impact of the Floresta program. In addition, under the supervision of Floresta, community members participate in a village community banking system as access to credit is a critical need the community. Floresta has also been able to partner with churches to create a holistic program that ministers to both the physical and spiritual needs of communities. Floresta seeks to continue these partnerships and further empower the churches to effectively ministerto their surrounding communities.
Program Report 12/31/07
- 17 Village Community Banks (VICOBA) with 563 members are currently operating. Floresta Tanzania was finally able to facilitate the registration of the Umoja wa Vicoba Maranguis (UVIMA) umbrella group, which would allow VICOBAs to transfer money between themselves. VICOBAs currently have a portfolio value of about US$31,622, completely generated from within the system. 80% of members are female.
- 559 bio-intensive gardens were established during the quarter.
- 49 tree nurseries are now operational, resulting in 7,878 trees being planted.
- Jennifer Brooks, a Floresta USA intern, has been living and working in Tanzania with Floresta Tanzania.
Tanzania Summary:
Communities – 21 |
Trees planted last quarter – 7,878 |
Loans the quarter – 127 |
Total trees planted to date – 162,552 |
Total loans to date– 400 |
Total bio-intensive vegetable gardens to date: 3,689 |
Stoves constructed: 1,245 [300 in Q2] |
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