As part of a high-level exposure visit programme on African Agroecological Entrepreneurship (AAEs)Territorial Markets (TMs), and Cross-Border Trade organized by SHIWAKUTA, a delegation representatives five Government ministries, led by Hon. Yustina Rahhi, a Member of Parliament and member of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Trade and Industry, visited a land restoration site in Arkatani Village, Moduli District, Arusha Region.

The visit provided the delegation with a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the procedures, innovations, and positive impacts of land restoration initiatives being implemented by MVIWAARUSHA, a member organization of SHIWAKUTA.

The primary objective of the visit was to provide policymakers and other key stakeholders with practical insights into the innovative agroecological approaches being applied by MVIWAARUSHA, particularly the use of half-moon bunds in collaboration with pastoral communities to restore landscapes degraded by the impacts of climate change. Through these interventions, the delegation observed how pastoral communities are actively rehabilitating degraded land, restoring natural ecosystems, and establishing sustainable pasture systems that enhance resilience and livelihoods.

The visit also highlighted practical land restoration technologies, including the application of half-moon bunds for rainwater harvesting and soil conservation.

These approaches contribute to improved soil moisture retention, reduced soil erosion, enhanced pasture regeneration, and strengthened resilience of pastoral communities against the growing impacts of climate change.The engagement served as an important platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and learning, demonstrating how agroecological practices can support sustainable land restoration, climate adaptation, and the long-term well-being of communities dependent on natural resources.

SHIWAKUTA will continue to strengthen its lobbying and advocacy efforts by bringing together policymakers and key stakeholders to facilitate dialogue and promote actions aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Through these engagements, SHIWAKUTA will advocate for supportive policies, increased recognition of smallholder farmers’ contributions, and the adoption of sustainable approaches that enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and economic opportunities for farming communities.