The United Nations has initiated a three-year project aimed at strengthening communities’ ability to withstand climate-related shocks in the Kigoma region of Tanzania, where a significant number of refugees are hosted. The project, funded by Belgium, is being jointly implemented by the Government of Tanzania, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with partners under the Kigoma Joint Programme. Its primary objective is to benefit 2.3 million individuals residing in the Kasulu and Kibondo districts.
Promoting Resilience and Conservation Efforts
In line with the strategic goals, the project will concentrate on safeguarding and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and reinforcing community resilience and adaptability. It will extend its activities to include refugees, facilitating the establishment of tree nurseries and planting initiatives within and around the camps. Additionally, the project will support kitchen gardens and small-scale mushroom production, contributing to improved nutritional status within households.
Hon. Thobias Andengenye, the Kigoma Regional Commissioner, expressed the region’s commitment to acknowledging the impacts of climate change and implementing resilient strategies. Notably, the government had already launched the Ten-Year Strategic Environmental Conservation Plan during the World Environment Day celebrations in May 2022. This plan includes a directive for each district to plant 1.5 million trees annually, alongside the ambitious goal of eliminating the use of charcoal and fuelwood by 2025. The Kigoma region aims to honor these strategic objectives, with the newly launched project playing a pivotal role in paving the way.
The project aligns closely with the regional priorities of the Tanzanian government, and UNHCR, WFP, and their partners are working in collaboration with local authorities to ensure its successful implementation. Mahoua Parums, the UNHCR Representative, highlighted the project’s significance in supporting both refugees and host communities in adapting to climate change while promoting environmental conservation, protection, and restoration in the camps and surrounding areas of Kigoma. Furthermore, the initiative addresses the protection concerns faced by refugee women who often venture outside the camps in search of fuelwood.
Brian Bogart, the WFP Deputy Country Director, emphasized the importance of assisting food-insecure communities in preparing for and recovering from climatic shocks. By focusing on community resilience and sustainable energy solutions, the project aims to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and minimize the risk of hunger in the future.
The United Nations expresses its gratitude to the Government of Belgium for their support in addressing the environmental challenges faced in Kigoma. The organization also encourages other partners to join efforts in strengthening the socio-economic conditions in Tanzania’s refugee-hosting areas. By mobilizing collective action, the UN aims to foster a more sustainable and resilient future for both communities and the environment in the region.
