“MVIWATA Arusha” is a network of small-scale farmer group networks in Arusha region (Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima wa Arusha). The formation of MVIWATA Arusha was stimulated by the MVIWAMO and National Farmer’s Network, in a bid to establish a middle network in the Arusha region. The following are the district networks; Monduli (MVIWAMO), Karatu (MVIWAKA), Meru (MVIWAME)and Arusha rural. On the 1st of June 2013 local networks of MVIWATA Karatu were inaugurated and the guest of honor was MVIWATA Taifa Chairman Bwana Simba Mkuti.

MVIWATA Karatu members in inauguration meeting (during guest of honor speech)

New members were given the membership cards. About 139 new members were given membership cards

Inauguration sign done ... by Simba Mkuti (guest of honor). Inaugurated Local networks are;-

Guest of honor giving his speech

MVIWAMO members in AGM on 30th May 2013. MVIWAMO AGM  held every year to elect the steering committee (if is a year of election) and inform their members of previous and future activities and plan for the coming year/period. It is an opportunity for the members (farmers) and partners to receive copies of the reports (implementation reports, financial reports, and plans) as well as reviewing fiscal information for the past year and asking any questions regarding the directions the network will take in the future. This year MVIWAMO had 10th AGM on 30/05/2013 at Monduli, 121 people participated including members, leaders, coordination office and invited guests.

 MVIWAMO members in AGM on 30th May 2013

A motivaed farmer developed on the initiative of farmers rather than governments, and have continued their existence in the same way. A MVIWABU (MTOWAMBU FARMERS network) chairman Mr. Amir Hasani Adhumani, mortivating farmers to engage themselves in irrigation farming. Approach is mortivating people by practising .... a leading farmers approach!!

Drip is an irrigation method that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants through a network of valves, and pipes.

Sunflower is one of the important crops in small scale farming communities. Sunflower contributes a lot as livelihood for small scale farmers. Sunflower is the source of cooking oil, animal feeds as well as income for farmers. The crop is adaptable to dry conditions which characterize some part of the Tanzanian rural areas. MVIWAMO is mobilizing and sensitizing farmers to engage in sunflower farming. Over 196 farmers from MVIWAEKE (Arusha rural), MVIWAKO and MVIWABU local networks in Monduli supported using demonstration plots in their areas.

A farmers showing one of the demonstration plot in Monduli district.