Mixed Farming As A Climate Solution In Zanzibar

 

By Ahmed Abdulla,Zanzibar:

Climate change continues to reshape the social and economic landscape of Zanzibar, with the agricultural sector carrying the heaviest burden. In rural communities, where farming remains the backbone of both livelihoods and local economies, rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, declining soil fertility, and increasing droughts have forced farmers to rethink their traditional practices.

According to the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS 2023), nearly 65 percent of Zanzibar’s population depends on agriculture. The report highlights persistent rainfall shortages in areas such as Uzi, Bungi, Unguja Ukuu and Ngambwa, placing farmers at heightened risk. Notably, more than 37 percent of farmers have already shifted to mixed farming as an adaptive strategy to climate shocks.

Mixed farming involves cultivating a variety of crops or combining crop production with livestock keeping on the same piece of land. Instead of depending on a single crop, farmers diversify their fields to reduce losses and create multiple sources of income. During conversations with women farmers in Unguja Ukuu and Uzi, including Salama Juma Haji and Rahma Nassor, they revealed how the system has transformed their resilience. “We grow bananas, cassava, pineapples, aubergines, pumpkins, maize and even coconut trees side by side,” explained Salama. “This allows us to harvest at different times of the year and avoid the stress of depending on one crop.”

Farmers in these communities emphasize that mixed farming has not only improved food security but also strengthened their financial independence. Rahma echoed the same: “Even during long dry spells, I still get something from the field. The harvest may vary, but I never go home empty-handed.”

Data from the OCGS Agricultural Statistics Report (2023) shows that Zanzibar has approximately 47,000 hectares of agricultural land, with more than 75 percent already used for mixed cropping systems. The uptake of mixed farming in Southern Unguja alone increased by 21 percent between 2018 and 2023.

In Uzi and Unguja Ukuu, farmers have also incorporated small livestock rearing, especially poultry and goats, further widening their income streams. This integration strengthens household resilience during low production seasons.

Community Forests Pemba (CFP) Forest Agriculture Officer, Roda Daniel Kadaso, outlined the environmental value of the system. She noted that mixed farming enhances soil moisture retention because different crops create shade and reduce evaporation. She also emphasized its role in soil regeneration. “Mixed farming restores soil fertility and gives families food security across seasons,” she said. “It also increases household income through the sale of diverse crops harvested within a single season.”

For Rahma, a trained TOT in Uzi, mixed farming has turned into a full breakthrough. She explained that the practice cushions her from total losses. “If one crop fails, another one saves the day. It’s a hundred percent safety net,” she reflected.

Women farmers have particularly benefited. Salama shared that proceeds from her crops enabled her to build her own house and join a women’s savings group, Mwangaza, where she accesses small loans to boost her farm investments.

Thanks to the ZANZ ADAPT project, more farmers have received practical training that equips them with climate-smart skills. According to CFP officer Roda, the project intentionally prioritizes women. “The goal is to empower women with sustainable farming knowledge that protects the environment while raising their income,” she said.

However, challenges remain. Farmers from Unguja Ukuu and Bungi lament unreliable markets, forcing them to sell their produce at low prices when harvests peak. Zanzibar Agricultural Marketing Policy (2022) reports that over 60 percent of smallholder farmers lack direct market access, making them dependent on middlemen who dictate prices.

Salama shared her frustration: “For aubergines, the price drops sharply mid-season. I invest a lot in production, but buyers still offer low prices. That pushed us to start finding alternative markets in town shops and spice stalls.”

Uzi farmer Ali Hamis added concerns about pests, water shortages for irrigation, and livestock damaging crops due to insufficient fencing. The Sheha of Unguja Ukuu, Khamis Ibrahim Shomari, said he has engaged the district authorities on the issue. “We want long-term solutions so that farmers, especially women, can work without fear of constant losses,” he said.

From a development perspective, TAMWA-ZNZ Program Manager noted that the Zan-Adapt project targets more than 20,000 farmers. “Over 4,000 farmers receive direct support through hands-on training, while the rest benefit through various media platforms, including radio, television and social media,” he explained. The intention is to ensure that environmental awareness reaches the whole community and that sustainable farming becomes a shared culture.

In Zanzibar’s fight against climate change, mixed farming is emerging not just as an agricultural method, but as a lifeline… a practical solution enabling families to withstand the shocks of a changing climate.