Our Projects

RUATI’s YEFFA initiative supports youth engagement in agribusiness through training, apprenticeships, and business linkages. The project aims to transform agricultural livelihoods for young people by equipping them with technical and entrepreneurial skills.

Promoting climate-resilient practices, water conservation, and sustainable land management to improve productivity and mitigate the impacts of climate change on smallholder agriculture.

Supporting household food security through nutrition education, diversification of crops, and small-scale gardening interventions that improve dietary diversity and child nutrition.

Overview
RUATI is implementing a two-year project titled Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA). The YEFFA project is a dynamic initiative aimed at empowering young people in Tanzania's Southern and Eastern Zones through vocational training in agro-mechanization, irrigation, and post-harvest management technologies.

Funding & Reach
Valued at USD 380,000 and funded by AGRA via the Mastercard Foundation, this project targets 4,250 young farmers, enhancing their technical and entrepreneurial skills to boost employment and business opportunities.

Key activities
- Training 1,000 youths (70% Female and 30% Male) in fabricating, repairing, maintaining, and operating agricultural machinery and irrigation tools to achieve industry-recognized certifications.
- Supporting the creation of 500 youth-led mechanization businesses.
- Connecting young farmers with equipment owners and companies to address limited availability of mechanization services.

Impact & Inclusion
By improving access to mechanization services, YEFFA benefits over 21,000 smallholder farmers, increasing agricultural productivity and quality of life. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity, with at least 20 participants with disabilities and 70% female beneficiaries. Additionally, 40 strategic partnerships and 500 apprenticeship opportunities will be created across Pwani, Morogoro, Iringa, Njombe, and Ruvuma regions.

Project summary
RUATI is implementing a project known as Revamping the Dairy Sector in the Ruvuma Region. This transformational project aims to boost milk productivity among smallholder farmers and strengthen the dairy value chain.

Beneficiaries & Budget
The project supports 1,000 members of the UWAMARU Dairy Cooperative Society Limited. The total project budget is USD 330,000. RUATI contributes USD 60,000 (for awareness creation, coordination, cooperative formation, and supervision), while beneficiaries contribute USD 20,000 in-kind. RUATI is seeking an additional USD 250,000 from donors to expand value-chain interventions.

Partners & Activities
Key partners include AGCOT Center Limited, ASAS Dairy Farm, and Heifer International. Activities include capacity building, stakeholder linkages, improving milk yields, strengthening collection and processing, and expanding market access.

Expected Outcomes
The collaborative effort will improve livelihoods, strengthen local dairy economies, and increase the availability of quality milk products in the Ruvuma region.

From 2018 to 2019, RUATI implemented the Consortia Mobile Pilot, an initiative designed to help smallholder farmers better manage pests and diseases using mobile technology. The core of the project was a simple, easy-to-use mobile app integrated with the Viamo platform, allowing farmers to diagnose crop problems quickly and accurately.

During the pilot phase, 100 farmers participated (54 women and 46 men), working closely with partners Viamo and Microsoft. The project operated on a budget of approximately TZS 2,000,000 and focused on practical results for everyday farming challenges.

The pilot led to healthier crops and higher yields, while also gathering vital data on pest and disease patterns. Beyond immediate benefits, it showcased how mobile technology can transform agricultural extension services, making expert advice accessible anytime and anywhere for farmers in need.

In 2021, RUATI carried out a baseline survey in Terrat Village, Simanjiro District (Arusha Region), valued at USD 2,235.13. The survey aimed to identify tree-growing methods that are fast-growing, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and socially accepted.

The process included field visits, community consultations, and assessments of different tree species and planting techniques based on growth rate, cost, environmental impact, and community preferences. The survey covered 250 beneficiaries and was conducted in partnership with Dorcas Aid International Tanzania (DAITI).

Results were compiled into a detailed report outlining suitable tree species, recommended interventions, and clear strategies for implementation. Overall, the survey enhances understanding of community capacity and preferences, ensuring that tree-growing initiatives in Terrat Village are both practical and sustainable.

In 2020, RUATI, as a sub-grantee of NDALEDA, launched a project in the Ruvuma region to support sustainable agriculture and strengthen climate resilience among local farmers. The initiative benefited 500 farmers across Songea and Namtumbo (300 men and 200 women) and was valued at USD 2,235.

The project introduced climate-smart techniques such as beekeeping, tree planting (focusing on fruit trees and short-term nurseries at household and community scales), and modern irrigation systems like drip irrigation and greenhouse cultivation. Organic farming was at the core, promoting healthier soils and reduced chemical use.

Beyond farming methods, the project emphasized gender inclusion and value chain development, ensuring improved productivity and increased income for farmers. This holistic approach helped communities adapt to changing climate conditions while nurturing sustainable livelihoods.

From 2018 to 2022, RUATI implemented a project supported by a sub-grant from NDALEDA and funded by Agenzia Italiana Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS), valued at USD 301,470. The project aimed to empower 400 farmers (240 male and 160 female) from Namtumbo and Songea Districts with training in environmental and soil conservation, milk processing, value addition, and hygiene standards.

By adopting sustainable land management techniques, farmers improved soil health and agricultural productivity. Training on milk value addition taught farmers how to process and enrich milk products, increasing their market value and income potential. Emphasizing hygiene and nutrition ensured that milk products met health standards, contributing to better dietary outcomes for communities.

In essence, the initiative promoted eco-friendly farming, enhanced food quality, and supported livelihoods—creating a foundation for long-term environmental stewardship and improved nutrition.