Vibrant discussions in Tanzania 

In September, we held vibrant discussions in Mwamishali, Tanzania. We reflected on our long standing collaboration with our partner organisations in Kasrawad, India and Mwamishali, Tanzania. Naturally, we also looked to the future, recognizing many opportunities still to be pursued and projects to tackle together. With Indian seed specialist Mahesh Birla, we discussed the challenges Tanzanian organic farming communities are facing: In both regions, climate change is driving the need for new strategies in cultivation.

“I was struck by how many similarities exist between organic farming in Tanzania and India, especially in tackling climate change. We all face unpredictable rainy seasons, shifting pest patterns and the need to adapt to the new conditions.”

Organic cotton farmers in Tanzania are taking on the challenge of climate change with resilience, adopting cultivation strategy such as agroforestry. ‘We depend on the rain for the cotton harvest, but the rain patterns have changed,’ says organic cotton farmer Zuena Hemed from Mwamishali, Tanzania. Her family farm includes over 20 members, and her vision is to sustain them with more than just cotton. Two years ago, she started practising ‘agroforestry’ – a choice full of potential. This type of agroforestry combines crop farming and livestock rearing with forestry.

‘Through agroforestry, we enrich the soil, store more water and gain additional income sources such as fruit and firewood.’ Zuena learned about agroforestry benefits from other women in her village. Typically, it is the women who lead the way, helping their families become more resilient and self-sufficient with new farming strategies that protect against climate change.

March 2024, Kasrawad, India


April 2024, Mwamishali, Tanzania, Africa

The bioRe® foundation is dedicated to fostering active South-South exchange between Tanzania and India. These exchanges go beyond sharing knowledge, they strengthen solidarity and mutual empowerment. As Gayatri Solanki, a bioRe® women’s trainer from Kasrawad, India, shared with us in her interview in March on the importance of empowerment:

“When we are independent and self-confident, it inspires others around us. This is how society transforms and development becomes possible.”
Gayatri Solanki, bioRe® women trainer,
Kasrawad, India

The bioRe® Foundation deeply values the expertise and experience that our farmers bring to organic farming. They not only share knowledge, but uplift each other – across time and continents.

Agroforestry April 2024, Mwamishali, Tanzania, Africa


Organic cotton fields, March 2024, Kasrawad, India