From water access to opportunities to save
Yesterday, our Tanzanian team accompanied a delegation from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on a visit to conservation and community initiatives in Olorien, Lopolun and Enguserosambu in the Loliondo district area of northern Tanzania.
The visit began in Olorien, where the delegation visited the construction of a charco dam designed to improve access to water for livestock and local communities. From there, the delegation met members of the COCOBA groups from Lopolun village, community-run savings and microfinance groups that help people save and invest locally.
Protecting a forest that supports local livelihoods
At the Enguserosambu Community Forest, an important water catchment supporting livestock and agriculture, the delegation learned about efforts to protect the forest and the resources it provides. We have worked with the community to help secure rights to the forest and its resources.
Health care closer to home
The visit concluded in the Loliondo highlands, where village chairperson Keleku Keleku and the Enguserosambu community warmly welcomed the delegation for the inauguration of a new dispensary. The facility will provide medical services for up to 5,000 people in the surrounding area.
With financing from BMZ, we coordinated the implementation of these initiatives in cooperation with local Maasai communities, linking conservation with local livelihoods and priorities.
During the visit, the delegation had open conversations with community members about conservation and the initiatives underway. For our team here in Loliondo, listening to and working with communities is part of our daily work and our long-term cooperation in the region.
