Clean water, girls’ education, and income generation are vital to building stronger communities in rural Tanzania.
Clean Water
Rural regions in Tanzania are often deprived of reliable water and sanitation facilities. Government-sponsored infrastructures predate Tanzania’s independence, and water committees are unable to sustain funding for sufficient rebuilds. Water sources are often very far from community centres, necessitating long walks for women. Furthermore, the spread of water-borne diseases is often exacerbated by the sharing of community water with livestock. And a rapid influx of students has strained sanitation resources for primary schools.
To decrease health risks and increase school retention, Tanzania Development Trust funds projects that improve access to clean water.
Developing Income Generation
Relatively small amounts of money, when strategically invested, can profoundly transform the lives of women living in extreme poverty. When women are able to start their own operations, coupled with business training and ongoing coaching, they increase their family income and elevate their own roles in their communities. Poor agricultural practices resulting from lack of knowledge and income poverty have also increased environmental harm. Farmers burn the bush to clear land and discourage pests, uproot trees for herbs, and encroach on virgin soil just to provide enough food.
So we are working with local partners such as Mboni ya Vijana who are teaching farmers how to conserve their environment and detect pests using free mobile phone apps such as PlantVillage Nuru.
Tanzania Development Trust funds programs that improve income, empower women, and deliver environmental education.
Girls’ Education
Access to education for girls is often fraught with difficulties. Families force girls into domestic roles. Schools lack proper hygiene provision, especially for menstrual cycles. And long distances pose high risks of abuse from bus drivers, shopkeepers, and other adults. Tanzania Development Trust funds programs that discourage unwarranted male aggression, reduce burdens of domestic work, and increase opportunities for activities.
