Notes to broadcasters
Across many rural communities, farmers are noticing changes in the seasons. Rains are becoming less predictable, dry spells are lasting longer, and floods are more frequent. These shifts are making it harder to grow crops and plan for the future.
Agroecology is a way of farming that works with nature to protect and conserve the environment. As climate change continues to affect agriculture, it offers a practical and sustainable solution for farmers.
The agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to climate change. Farmers are facing increasing challenges, including low rainfall that leads to drought and excessive rainfall that causes flooding. By practicing agroecology, farmers can strengthen the resilience of their crops and improve their chances of a stable harvest, compared to those who rely solely on conventional rain-fed agriculture.
This radio script shows how agroecology can help farmers adapt to climate change and maintain more reliable yields, even during drought. It features the experiences of farmers in Chamwino district, Dodoma, Tanzania.
To adapt this program for your station, you may use voice actors or adjust the content to reflect local realities. Be sure to inform your audience if voice actors are used and explain that the program is based on real interviews, adapted for a wider audience.
If you want to produce your own program on agroecology, consider interviewing local farmers and environmental experts. You could ask questions such as:
You could ask them questions such as:
- What is agroecology farming and how does it work?
- What are the benefits of agroecology farming and how does it benefit farmers?
- How many farmers in your area engage in agroecology farming? What challenges do they face?
Length of program, including introduction and closing is about 25 minutes.
Script
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HOST:
Hello dear listeners, I’m [name], and in this episode, we explore how agroecology can help farmers in Tanzania overcome the growing challenges of climate change.
Here in Dodoma, farmers often face drought, unpredictable rainfall, and declining soil fertility. But what if there were a way of farming that restores the land, improves harvests, and protects the environment? This is where agroecology comes in.
Today, we’ll visit three villages in Dodoma Region—Nzali, Mvumi Makulu, and Makoje—to hear directly from farmers who are using agroecology methods to grow their crops. They will share how they practice these methods and the benefits they have experienced.
We will also hear from an expert from Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT). Our journey begins in Nzali village, where we met Asha Lucas, a mother of three who has been practicing agroecology on her farm for several years. It is 10:00 a.m. at her farm, where she is busy tending her crops, but she kindly agrees to speak with us while she works.
SFX
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HOST:
Hello Asha, and thank you for welcoming us today. We understand that you have been practicing agroecology as your main farming method. Could you tell us how long you have been doing this, and what agroecology means to you?
ASHA LUCAS:
I have been practicing agroecology for six years. It is a farming method that avoids the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, I use natural fertilizers such as manure and compost, and I also plant seeds saved from previous harvests.
HOST:
Wow! What crops do you grow on your farm using agroecology?
ASHA LUCAS:
I grow sunflowers, groundnuts, and maize, which I intercrop with beans on three acres of land. This provides food for my family and also produces surplus that I can sell.
HOST:
What benefits have you seen from this type of farming?
ASHA LUCAS:
With agroecology, I no longer rely on expensive chemical inputs. I’ve harvested up to ten bags of peanuts and twelve bags of sunflower per acre — earning up to Tsh 1.2 million (CAD 660 dollars) per season.
I’ve used this income to build a house, pay school fees for children, and keep my family food secure. Under similar conditions, my peers who practice normal farming do not record such high yields compared to me.
HOST:
After hearing from Asha in Nzali village, we are now in Mvumi Makulu where we’ve met another farmer, Anord Chiulaji, who will, among other things, explain how agroecology techniques work, particularly on its ability to conserve soil and water. So, Mr. Chiulaji, tell us: what are your methods?
ANORD CHIULAJI:
We use organic ecological inputs only and no chemicals. One of our methods is called the “nine-seed hole,” where we dig deep holes, add compost or decomposed waste, and plant seeds in a specific layout. This helps retain water when it rains and keeps the soil moist even during dry spells.
HOST:
What Mr. Chiulanji is explaining is that this method helps capture runoff rainwater, allowing crops to survive during dry spells. For more information, you can visit your local agriculture extension office or speak with SAT representatives.
Now back to you, Mr. Chiulaji—how do you manage pests on your farm?
ANORD CHIULAJI:
We make biopesticides using neem leaves/seeds and chilies, or cow urine mixed with garlic or aloe vera. These keep harmful pests away without killing the helpful ones.
HOST:
And how can more farmers adopt this system?
ANORD CHIULAJI:
Education is key. Leaders at public meetings should allow experts or trained farmers like us to share this knowledge. We also train each other and collaborate with the Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT).
HOST:
After hearing from the two villagers, let us head to Makoje village where we will meet another farmer for more insight about this farming approach. Now we are in Makoje village and in front of us is Fredrick Kiseka. Water scarcity is a major concern in this village and Kiseka will share with us how this type of farming has saved him from water woes faced by other farmers. Fredrick, how do you manage water on your farm using this technology?
FREDRICK KISEKA:
We use raised seedbeds and water channels on rented land. On owned land, we dig contour ditches that capture and store rainwater for long uses. These techniques reduce soil erosion and ensure crops survive during the dry periods.
HOST:
Using this technology, you harvest a lot of crops, but what are the market opportunities like?
FREDRICK KISEKA:
We sell locally and across wards and districts. But we’d like to expand and see more investment in organic farming so more farmers can join in to feed our markets.
HOST:
But surely there must be some challenges associated with this type of farming. What are those?
FREDRICK KISEKA:
When farming on rented land, you risk losing access after making improvements. That discourages investment in long-term soil and water conservation.
HOST :
After a long journey visiting three villages and talking to farmers, let us now settle down and invite Elizabeth Girangai, a project manager at Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT). Ms Girangai, please tell us why SAT chooses to promote agroecology of all other agro-technologies.
ELIZABETH GIRANGAI:
Climate change is threatening food systems. Agroecology offers a long-term solution as it is resilient to erratic rainfall, restores soil health, and reduces dependency on costly inputs. In Dodoma alone, we have trained over 20,000 farmers.
HOST:
How do you help farmers transition from old farming practices to this new technology?
ELIZABETH GIRANGAI:
We teach them proper spacing, use of manure, and how to avoid contamination from nearby chemical farms. We also train farmers to manage their budgets, use natural inputs, and increase yields sustainably.
HOST:
This sounds really good! And what are the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
ELIZABETH GIRANGAI:
Labour and awareness. Many techniques require time and manpower. Also, when farmers rent land, they hesitate to invest because the land is not theirs. We need better understanding from landowners and community support.
HOST:
Today we have learned how farmers like Asha, Anord, and Fredrick are using agroecology to improve their harvests, protect the environment, and overcome climate challenges all without relying on chemicals. We also heard from SAT’s Elizabeth Girangai on how training and local knowledge are key to scaling up this movement.
If you are a farmer and you want to know more, reach out to your local agricultural extension officers or contact SAT for training opportunities. Together, we can build a farming future that is resilient, affordable, and sustainable.
Thank you for listening, until next time, goodbye!
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Acknowledgements
Contributed by:
Haika Kimaro, journalist specializing in innovative climate-smart conservation agriculture, biodiversity conservation and renewable energy
Reviewed by: Eliud Letungaa, field officer/agroecology expert – MVIWAARUSHA
Interviews:
- Asha Lucas- a farmer farmer, interview conducted on March 14, 2025
- Anord Joseph a farmer , interview conducted on March 15,2025
- Fredrick Kiseka, a farmer. Interview conducted on March 15,2025
- Elizabeth Gingirai- Project Manager at Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) interview conducted on June 03, 2025
This resource is undertaken with the financial support of the Biovision Foundation.
