Tanzania is one of the least developed countries in the world, even though its local environmental and cultural heritage is an invaluable resource. The rangelands in the North are environments rich in biodiversity, providing sources of livelihood for the communities who live on agriculture and farming. But the effects of climate change, environmental degradation and the unplanned management of resources pose a serious risk to the balance of the ecosystems and the well-being of local populations, especially in rural areas.

Since 1996 Oikos has been working primarily in the Arusha Region, in the North of the country. Together with the communities and local and international partners, local authorities and research institutes we develop, test and promote strategies and technologies for the planned use of natural resources such as water, soil and forests. We have a dual objective: safeguarding the environment and offering sustainable and long-term economic opportunities for populations who live below the poverty threshold.

We are currently working on these programmes:

Water and health, to ensure access to drinking water also in the most remote villages. We develop infrastructures (aqueducts, dams, wells) through participatory processes and tools that guarantee the involvement of communities in the management of water resources.

Ecological monitoring and definition of rangelands’ management plans. We define ecological indicators to measure the deterioration of the ecosystem, an essential fact for developing Guide Lines and Use Plans that guarantee proper land management.

Spread of technology for the production and distribution of renewable energy. The programme is mainly aimed at secondary schools in the Arusha Region, in order to increase access to energy by improving the quality of teaching and safety within schools.

Gender equality and women empowerment. We promote training courses, particularly for Maasai women, that increase their opportunities to access the employment market. We also support the start-up of small businesses such as the Themi Living Garden restaurant and the Tanzania Maasai Women Art cooperative.

Development of green social enterprises. We set up economic activities in various sectors: renewable energy, water resource management, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, local handicrafts.

Awareness and education. We promote campaigns on environmental themes with special attention to climate change in primary and secondary schools. At the same time, we work with local communities to increase their knowledge and strengthen their resilience.

Enhancing the skills of local authorities, institutions and organisation of the civil society. We promote training courses to offer them the necessary tools to cope with the challenge of protecting the fragile and precious local natural resources.

Areas to be protected. Together, beyond borders

Greater Kilimanjaro initiatives to enhance community participation in sustainable conservation of the trans frontier ecosystem and wildlife

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