By Deogratius Koyanga,Njombe
The Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP), through the “Our Resilience, Our Planet” project, has conducted training for pastoralists from four project wards Igima, Igwachanya, Usuka and Iturahumba in Wanging’ombe District Council -Njombe Region, aimed at strengthening community resilience to climate change while promoting gender equality and inclusive decision-making.
The training brought together both traditional and modern pastoralists, focusing on enhancing their capacity to involve women, youth and people with disabilities in decisions related to livestock resources, in order to reduce the disproportionate impact of climate change on these groups.
Speaking during the training, TGNP facilitator Deogratius Temba noted that climate change continues to place a heavier burden on women within pastoralist communities.
“Women are the most affected by climate change. They walk long distances in search of water, children miss school, and cases of gender-based violence increase. That is why women must be involved in every decision made at household and group levels,” said Temba.
Some participants said the training had changed their approach to household decision-making. Christopher Msigwa from Indilamunyo Village said involving spouses in key decisions would help protect livestock, especially during periods of drought.
“Joint decision-making will help us safeguard our livestock and family livelihoods during climate-related challenges,” he said.
Fadhili Mangula from Igima Ward emphasized that gender equality enhances accountability in livestock management, while Michael Mlowe from Mlevela Village and Peter Kiswaga from Usuka Ward highlighted the importance of environmental protection.
The participants agreed to take collective action to prevent indiscriminate tree cutting, protect water sources, plant trees, and provide environmental conservation education within their communities as part of long-term climate resilience efforts.
The “Our Resilience, Our Planet” project, implemented in partnership with CARE International and other organizations, continues to drive positive change in pastoralist communities by prioritizing inclusion, gender equality and sustainable environmental practices.
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