In a concerted effort to enhance agricultural sustainability and equip local farmers with climate-smart techniques, Twins Agrovet & General Supply, in collaboration with various partners, is spearheading the “AgroSimiyu Climate Resilience Project (SCRP).” The recent inception workshop held in Simiyu, Tanzania, marked a pivotal moment in this endeavor.

The workshop, which zeroed in on Component 3 of the project centered around Climate Smart Agriculture Practices (CSAP), convened on the 23^rd of November, 2023, at Mlashi Hotel in Bariadi, Simiyu Region. Attended by 57 participants, comprising key stakeholders from Local Government Authorities (LGAs), the Project Management Unit (PMU), Implementing Consultants (IC), and other pertinent entities, the event aimed to introduce the project to the community stakeholders and government agencies.

Distinguished speakers, including the Director of  the Project, Mr. Masimba, the Regional representative from Nmb Bank – Bariadi Manager, officials from the District Executive Director (DED), PMU, and the Regional Administrative Secretariat (RAS) in Simiyu, graced the occasion. The atmosphere was vibrant and filled with anticipation as participants eagerly looked forward to the project’s potential benefits.

The primary objective of the inception workshop was two-fold: to deliberate on the proposed methodology, “Farmer Field Schools (FFS),” and to outline the 18-month implementation plan for the project. Additionally, the workshop aimed to provide clarity to stakeholders regarding the intended meaning of the major Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices earmarked for promotion and training among farmers. These practices notably include the utilization of resilient crop seeds and the Ngitili system.

The overarching goal of the Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Practices project is to bolster community resilience against climate shocks and stressors. The implementation of CSA practices is slated to cover the five districts within the Simiyu region. Component 3 of the project emphasizes the rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation systems, the dissemination of climate-resilient crop and forestry seeds, and the empowerment of communities in CSA technologies and practices. Notably, Twins Agrovet will exclusively employ the FFS approach for all project activities except irrigation.

In summary, the inception workshop served as a crucial platform to align stakeholders and elucidate the path forward for the project’s implementation. Through deliberate discussions on methodologies and a shared vision for promoting CSA practices, Twins Agrovet aims to foster a resilient agricultural landscape in Simiyu, laying the groundwork for sustainable agricultural practices and a robust response to climate challenges.