REGROW benefits over 3000 farmers in Mbarali district

The $150 million (about 350bn/-) six-year project is implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism gearing to transform the tourism sector in the Southern Circuit.

Expressing their gratitude to the government, the farmers acknowledge the project specifically construction of canals to improve irrigation infrastructure to reduce water losses and increase water flow to Ihefu during dry season.

The increased downstream flow into the Ihefu wetlands ensures sustainability of the great Ruaha River. 

One of the paddy farmers who is a disabled, Mwamvita Sofu said: “We are thankful to the government for bringing us this project. We can easily irrigate our farms and control the amount of water that enters the field.

The improvement has resulted in increased yields. With the generated income, our livelihoods have further improved.”

Another farmer, Sadick Chavala who cultivates one hectare of the crop said he can now harvest more than 50 sacks of paddy, compared to 30 sacks that he was harvesting previously.

“Improvement of infrastructures under the REGROW project has guaranteed us with a reliable water flow to our farms. With the generated funds, I have improved my house and I can comfortably take care of my family,” remarked Chavala.

Representing the Manager of the Madibira irrigation scheme improvement project, Eng Njaji Mlwale from the National Irrigation Commission said improvement of the irrigation and drainage system includes construction of a 2.9 kilometer primary canal and 10.6 kilometer secondary canal. He said the work has so far reached 50 percent and is expected to be completed in January next year.

According to him, the 18 months project which is executed by local contractors—MS/Skyline Properties Ltd and White City International Contractors Ltd will cost 8.7bn/- upon completion.

Blanka Tengia, Deputy Project Coordinator (REGROW) from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said improvement of the irrigation and drainage system aims to empower smallholder farmers and increase water use efficiency for the precious liquid to finally flow to the Great Ruaha River in the Ruaha National Park (RUNAPA).

The Madibira irrigation scheme benefits smallholder farmers from Madibira and Miyombweni wards. Farmers utilize water from Ndembera River that discharges its water into Ihefu wetland downstream.