In the Eastern Uluguru Mountains, traditional farming practices have led to environmental degradation. Farmers often clear large areas of tropical forest using fire, both to create agricultural land and to hunt small animals—a practice passed down from their ancestors. However, this method not only depletes soil fertility and organic matter but also disrupts rainfall patterns, contributing to poor crop yields and soil degradation. 

To address these challenges, Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) launched the Uluguru Spice Project (USP) in 2017. This initiative was designed to conserve the Uluguru Mountains' environment while improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Recognizing the region’s ideal conditions for spice cultivation, the project introduced agroecological practices and provided access to profitable markets. Farmers were trained in spice cultivation, post-harvest handling, and sustainable agricultural methods to meet both local and international standards. Investments in farm infrastructure and better processing facilities further supported the farmers' efforts. 

The Uluguru Spice Project II (USP II) as an extension of the USP I was implemented in 27 villages from 8 wards of Morogoro District. It aimed at empowering small-scale farmers in the Uluguru Mountains of rural Morogoro, among others, through sustainable cultivation methods, market linkages, and knowledge dissemination to alleviate poverty and protect the ecosystem.

Achievements and Impact 

1. Registration of a Spice Cooperative and Organic Certification

In 2021, the Chama cha Ushirika wa Wakulima wa Viungo Milima ya Uluguru (CHAUWAVIMU) Cooperative was formed and legally registered to promote organic farming and secure organic certification. The cooperative now has 780 spice producers, nearly a quarter of whom are youth. By adopting organic standards and reducing chemical use, farmers have seen healthier soils, better water management, and increased biodiversity. 

Additionally, the certification allows farmers to tap into premium markets, coupled with lower input costs and diversified revenue streams. It enhances the financial stability of farmers and ensures the continued success of organic farming. The organic certification enabled farmers to access premium markets, increasing their financial stability. In2023, internal and external inspections were conducted to maintain certification standards. Thus, the cooperative has created a win-win situation for farmers and environment.

2. Strengthening Spice Businesses

Farmers have significantly improved their spice businesses by selling their products to SAT Holistic Group Ltd, which purchased 190 tons of organic spices worth €169,004 in 2023, whereby farmers received a 10 % premium price.

A farmer's group that has profited a lot is the Gendegeni Group in Tandai village. Formed in 2019 with 35 farmers, the group specializes in cultivating ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. They received different trainings such as spice cultivation, pest management, post-harvest handling, and organic certification to meet local and international standards. Ms. Hadija Kunambi, the group’s secretary, shared: 

"Our production keeps increasing each year. In 2021, our group sold spices worth six million Tanzanian shillings. By 2023, we sold 29,127 kg of spices to SAT Holistic Group for 41,396,000 Tanzanian shillings [approx. €16,500]. This is a big achievement for us."

‍

 3. Conservation Through Agroforestry

Farmers established spice tree nurseries, raising over 182,477 seedlings of cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla, and cardamom in 2023. This agroforestry effort has increased crop diversity and enhanced environmental conservation. An internal evaluation in 2023 found that prior to the project only about 30% of farmers were practicing agroforestry. The project's interventions have resulted in a significant increase with 70% of farmers now actively integrating trees and crops in their fields.

One inspiring story comes from Mr. Msakuzi Iddi, a member of the Tugende group:

‍"In May 2018, I attended a village meeting organized by SAT and started receiving training on organic spice production. What motivated me most was my desire to conserve the environment by planting trees. We began producing spice seedlings in 2018 with 1,800 seedlings. By 2023, we raised 68,340 seedlings, earning 68 million Tanzanian shillings. With our earnings, we even bought a 2-acre group farm. My personal goal is to establish my own spice nursery, and in 2023, I have successfully raised 2,700 spice seedlings in my secondary nursery."

‍

 4. Improving Rural Finance

Farmers formed saving and lending groups using the SAT saving and lending model. They learned financial record-keeping, bylaws formation, and business planning. By 2023, farmers purchased shares worth €228,787, collected €31,386 in social funds, and distributed €243,843 in loans to 1,392 beneficiaries.

The results of the internal project evaluation showed that prior to SAT’s intervention, only 20% of farmers were involved in saving and lending groups. This figure has improved to an impressive 96% of farmers who are actively participating in saving and lending groups now.

Ms. Hadija Kunambi from Gendegeni group highlighted the impact:

"The saving and lending model and a reliable market with premium prices increased our income. I can now send my children to school. Some members have even started small businesses. I encourage my fellow farmers to scale up their production and join the project."

 5. Scaling Through Peer-to-Peer Approaches and ICT

Each group has a training committee that is responsible for the training of other farmer groups. Farmers, who received capacity building and a Training-of-Trainers course, became peer-to-peer facilitators who mobilize and train new groups in the villages. The training sessions and attendance are monitored by SAT facilitators.

Furthermore, the peer-to-peer facilitators are trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Supported by smartphones and the SAT Data Management Application, these facilitators registered and trained 655 farmers from 23 spice groups. The peer-to-peer approach is now being extended to other SAT projects, such as the Sustainable Community Development (SUCODE) project.

‍

 6. Constructing Processing Infrastructure

Three spice processing facilities have been constructed and equipped, creating jobs in the villages and adding value to crops. This infrastructure improves local economies, empowers rural communities, and enhances the profitability of farming.

‍7. Establishing a Knowledge-Sharing Platform

The project’s innovations and implemented technologies are shared to relevant stakeholders through various SAT platforms. The project also fostered collaboration through workshops such as the Workshop for Participatory Research Design (WPRD), Participatory Market Research (PMR), and platforms like the Mkulima Mbunifu Farmers Magazine. Success stories and innovations were widely disseminated to encourage the adoption of organic farming practices.

 Conclusion

The Uluguru Spice Project has profoundly transformed the lives of small-scale farmers in the Uluguru Mountains, providing them with tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive. Through the efforts of the CHAUWAVIMU Cooperative, the project reached more farmers and communities, offering education seminars and village meetings that encouraged participation in the organic spice value chain. These initiatives not only supported processing activities but also assured farmers of secure markets for their produce. The participatory design of training modules further motivated farmers to enroll and actively engage in the development of organic spice value chains.

The results speak a lot about the project's impact. Beneficiary farmers have experienced an 88% increase in income and a 50% rise in crop biodiversity. Additionally, the spice yield and harvest quantities have grown significantly, underscoring the effectiveness of the interventions in improving both environmental and economic outcomes.

Looking ahead, the project faces challenges that need to be addressed for its continued success. Preventing cross-contamination between organic and non-organic farms is crucial to maintaining organic standards, while addressing climate change through agroforestry and tree planting remains essential for long-term sustainability.

The Uluguru Spice Project stands as an example of how integrated, community-driven approaches can empower farmers, protect the environment, and foster sustainable development. With ongoing support and collaboration, it will continue to make a lasting impact in the Uluguru Mountains and beyond.

The Uluguru Spice Project has kindly been funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Land Vorarlberg (LV), Nachhaltige Landwirtschaft Ostafrika (NLO) and a private donor.

‍