MASU: Long-Term Agroforestry Project in Mgeta

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The Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania are one of the most important water catchment areas in East Africa. They supply clean water to more than 10 million people, including communities in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam. At the same time, this fragile ecosystem is under increasing pressure from soil erosion, climate change, deforestation, and farming systems that have reduced soil fertility over time.

The MASU Project responds to these challenges by supporting farmers to transition towards syntropic agroforestry, a regenerative farming approach that combines food production, tree planting, soil restoration, and biodiversity protection.

The project is implemented by the Mgeta Livelihood Development Foundation (MLDF), a community-based organisation with strong roots in the Mgeta area and long-standing relationships with local farming communities. MLDF works closely with more than 800 smallholder farmers and mobilises local knowledge, trust, and commitment for long-term change.

MLDF is supported by the APOPO HeroTREEs Department, which contributes technical expertise in syntropic agroforestry, project coordination, monitoring, and data-driven learning.

Together, we are building a farming model that protects water sources, restores fertile soils, strengthens biodiversity, and creates better income opportunities for farming families through high-value crops such as coffee, avocado, cocoa, and spices.

Project period: September 2025 – August 2028
Direct target group: 434 smallholder farming families, of whom more than 60% are women, and 80 school pupils
Indirect reach: More than 3,600 community members benefiting from improved incomes, stronger water systems, and new market opportunities
Donors: Land Vorarlberg and Green Bridges

By increasing tree diversity, keeping soils covered, and building soil organic matter, the project helps reduce erosion and improve the water-holding capacity of the land. This is important not only for mountain communities, but also for millions of people downstream.

More than 43,500 trees will be planted over three years. These trees will store carbon, improve microclimates, and help farming systems adapt to climate change.

Farmers will be supported to grow high-value crops such as coffee, avocado, cocoa, and spices. These crops can provide more stable income opportunities when integrated into well-managed agroforestry systems.

Syntropic agroforestry brings many different plant species together in one system. This helps restore biodiversity, improves soil fertility, and reduces dependency on external inputs.

Women and young people play a central role in the project. Through savings groups, school activities, training, and farm-based learning, they are actively involved in decision-making and economic development.