These programs improve climate resilience, food security, and incomes by integrating climate-smart agriculture, gender inclusion, nutrition, and value chain development. Under the EU-funded VIUNGO initiative, PDF and partners supported 15,217 smallholder farmers across 60 communities in Unguja and Pemba, reaching 579,74 people overall (23,190 women; 15,652 men; 11,595 male youth; 7,537 female youth).

Farmers adopted climate-smart practices at a rate of 99.2%, including the use of organic fertilizers, improved seed varieties, mulching, water conservation technologies, and integrated pest management. As a result, 89% of farmers reported higher production volumes, and 10,963 hectares were transitioned to climate-smart production systems — more than four times the original target.

The program also strengthened food and nutrition security. In the latest survey, 99.2% of beneficiary households reported regular consumption of vegetables, fruits, and fish, supported by kitchen gardens and nutrition education. Women’s empowerment and financial inclusion were central: 4,627 VSLA loans worth TZS 373 million were invested in horticulture enterprises, with women taking the majority of loans.

To boost income and market access, farmers were linked to processors, agro-dealers, exporters, supermarkets, hotels, and local markets. Value addition is steadily growing, with 89.8% of farmers engaging in sorting, grading, storage, packaging, or processing. Infrastructure investments such as solar dryers, cold rooms, and model farms continue to support sustainability beyond direct project funding