A lead farmer driving change: Zena’s regenerative agriculture success in Tanzania
In Kiteto District, Tanzania, climate change continues to challenge smallholder farmers through unpredictable rainfall and declining soil fertility. Yet, amid these challenges, inspiring stories of resilience and innovation are emerging—one of them is Zena Mwimbono, a lead farmer working with Kibaigwa Flour Supplies (KFS).
- Agricultural Innovation
- Multifunctional Landscapes
- smallholders
- Tanzania
A lead farmer driving change: Zena’s regenerative agriculture success in Tanzania
In Kiteto District, Tanzania, climate change continues to challenge smallholder farmers through unpredictable rainfall and declining soil fertility. Yet, amid these challenges, inspiring stories of resilience and innovation are emerging—one of them is Zena Mwimbono, a lead farmer working with Kibaigwa Flour Supplies (KFS).
From training to transformation
Zena’s journey began when she participated in a lead farmer training organized under the Growing Together Program, which is led by IDH, funded by Norad, and implemented in partnership with Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT, Rikolto, and EAGC in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Through this training, she gained practical knowledge on regenerative and climate-smart agriculture practices ranging from soil fertility improvement using manure to better crop management techniques such as intercropping and efficient planting methods.
Inspired by the training, Zena established a demonstration plot for maize using regenerative agriculture principles. With support from Kibaigwa Flour Supplies (KFS), Zena accessed certified seeds, which contributed to the success of her demonstration plots.
When project teams visited her farm, they were impressed by the health, uniformity, and vigor of her crop, clear evidence of the benefits of these practices.