Tanzania’s Maasai Women Use Climate-Smart Solutions to End Drought – World Issues
MVOMERO, Tanzania, Sep 24 (IPS) – In the scorching sun of Mikese in the Mvomero district of eastern Tanzania, 31-year-old Maria Naeku tirelessly tends her vegetables. Each time he pulls weeds, red soil stains his hands as he directs the flow of water through a series of pipes in a raised bed to grow his plants. In a drought-stricken area, Naeku’s small garden is a boon for his family, providing them with food and income.
“When the drought hit, our cows died, and we couldn’t get milk for the children,” said Naeku. “I knew I had to find a way to feed my family, so I had to grow vegetables.”
Drip irrigation, where a series of pipes with small holes spit water directly on the plant in one second, was new to him but he tried it. “I didn’t know how small drops of water could feed plants,” he said. But when I saw the green leaves sprouting from the ground, I knew that I had a bright future.
Naeku’s soon became an expert, her success inspiring other women throughout the village to follow her lead. The Maasai, traditionally known for raising cattle—a symbol of wealth and security—are increasingly adopting climate-friendly farming to cope with drought as rains fluctuate due to climate change. Women like Naeku, who were once totally dependent on these herds, have been forced to use new farming methods to survive.
Dissolving the Monarchy
In Maasai culture, men have long been in charge, with women relegated to the role of caretakers and homemakers. Decision-making, especially in matters of land and livestock, was the domain of men only. However, severe drought has reversed these changes. As their cattle dwindle and their families starve, Maasai women have begun to step into roles traditionally reserved for men, embracing climate-smart farming as an alternative livelihood.
“We are no longer just the caretakers of our families,” said 34-year-old Nasarian Lengai, a mother of five who has become a local champion in farming in Mikese. “We are the decision makers who shape the future of our society.”
Skeptical at first, Lengai strongly believes in growing crops using organic farming methods. “When I first heard about these methods, I didn’t think they could work for us,” he said. “But after seeing how much better my plants are now, I’m sure this is the way to go.”
For centuries, the Maasai have relied on cattle for their food—milk, meat, and even blood. The shift to farming was a big change from their old ways.
“We believed that having more cattle was the only way to preserve wealth and ensure security,” said Esuvat Joseph, who leads a group of Tupendane Maasai women in Mikese village. “But now we understand that we have to deal with the drought. We have learned to raise a few cows and focus more on farming.”
The Tupendane group also adopted water conservation measures, building underground reservoirs to collect rainwater. “This water is very important,” he explained. “We use it for irrigation when the rivers are dry.”
Smart climate solutions
Maasai women’s adoption of climate-smart agriculture is not just a response to immediate needs but a resilience strategy for long-term sustainability. Through programs supported by Norwegian Church Aid-an international charity-these women learn to diversify their sources of income, reduce their reliance on livestock and adopt sustainable farming methods.
“We are teaching these women how to make the most of their small plots of land,” explains Oscar John, program manager of Norwegian Church Aid. “By diversifying their sources of income, they are less dependent on livestock, which is more vulnerable to drought.”
Conservation Agriculture, an important part of this program, promotes sustainable farming practices that improve soil health and increase crop yields without depleting natural resources.
For the women of Mvomero, this was a divine plan. They learn to plant drought-resistant crops, rotate their fields and use organic fertilizers, all of which contribute to better crop yields.
As more women embrace climate-smart agriculture, the negative effects are seen in neighboring areas, as women who once questioned these new methods, are now seeing success in Mvomero and are starting to learn these practices in their drought-stricken countries.
Empowering Action
The shift from livestock to crop farming has had a major impact on the social practices of the Maasai community. Women, once marginalized in decision-making processes, are now at the forefront of managing their families’ resources. This new empowerment improves their social and economic status while challenging the patriarchal norms that have long defined their society.
We have always been led to believe that men are the ones who make the decisions,” said Lengai. “But now we are showing that women can also earn. We can take care of our families and make better decisions.”
This sense of empowerment can be seen in the way the women of Mvomero view their work. They care for their crops and build a future where their voices are heard and their contributions are respected. The construction of rainwater harvesting systems, for example, is a work these women have done with pride. “We don’t wait for our husbands to make us; We build these dams ourselves,” said Joseph. “It’s our way of showing that we can take care of ourselves.”
Men in society are seeing changing gender roles, and some of them are beginning to appreciate the benefits of shared decision-making. Although opposition remains, the success of these women is slowly changing attitudes. As the benefits of climate-enabled agriculture become more apparent, more men are joining their wives in these efforts, working together to provide a better future for their families.
Challenges on the Horizon
The transition from livestock to farming is not without difficulty, especially in a society that has long measured wealth by the size of its herds. “There are still those who resist change,” Joseph admitted. “They see farming as a small job compared to herding cattle. But as many of us become successful, the mindset is changing.”
The road to fully embracing these new practices is slow, and the women of Mvomero know that their success is just the beginning. They face many challenges ahead, including the risk of drought and strong cultural norms that shape gender roles in Maasai society.
But women are strong. They know that their efforts are not only to overcome this ongoing problem but also to create a better future for their children.
“We are planting the seeds of change,” said Naeku. “Our daughters will grow up knowing that they can be anything they want to be. They will see that women can lead, we can innovate, we can solve any problems.”
An Example of the Future
The success of Maasai women in Mvomero is beginning to attract attention in other drought-stricken areas of Tanzania. Development organizations and government agencies are recognizing the new community approach and exploring ways to replicate it in other regions facing similar challenges.
“We see this as a model that can be adapted and used in other parts of the country,” said John. “The key is to empower communities, especially women, to take control of their resources and their lives. When people are given the tools and knowledge they need, they can achieve amazing things.”
As Maasai women in pastoral communities develop, they are not only securing their own future but also building a strong and just society. Their journey shows determination, innovation, and empowerment—a true example of women’s strength in overcoming challenges.
In the Maasai plains of Tanzania, where the future of pastoral communities is uncertain, these women show that with the right support, even the most disadvantaged can overcome their problems and live a better life.
IPS UN Bureau Report
Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
Follow IPS News UN Bureau on Instagram
© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
