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GROWING IN ADVERSITY: A STORY OF RESILIENCE FROM THE WOMEN OF UZI

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Bi. Eshe and Bi. Rahma holding a pepper seedling

For many, the islands of Zanzibar evoke images of tropical forests and pristine beaches, and while that may be true, the very properties that make Zanzibar a unique tropical paradise also present significant challenging environments for its residents —particularly its farmers.

Nearly half of the islands are occupied by coral terrain, characterized by a wide range of coral outcrops

and soil patches in between, these geological features make agriculture a demanding task, particularly for coastal communities such as those on Uzi Island.

Situated to the south of Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, Uzi Island is a small community connected to the mainland by a causeway. The island’s coral bedrock dominates the landscape, leaving limited fertile ground for agriculture. What little arable land exists has been largely utilised for settlements, pushing farmers to adapt their practices and tools to the rugged coral terrain that remains.

Traditional farming practices, like using the jembe (a hand hoe), are less viable in Uzi’s coral-dense fields. “There are some areas that you can use a jembe, but there are other areas where you are just going to damage it,” explains Bi. Rahma Nassor, a resident and farmer. “Instead, we use a pickaxe and handspike. We dig out the stones manually to create space to put fertilizer and plant our seedlings”. This labour-intensive process of clearing rocky fields is just one challenge among many.

Access to fresh water for irrigation is another major obstacle. Farmers must carry water from village wells to their fields—often a long and gruelling trek—or pay for transport, a luxury they can’t always afford. Due to climate change the heavy reliance on rainfall further exacerbates their struggles. “In the past, rain patterns were predictable, and there was no excessive heat,” recalls Bi. Eshe Abdallah, another farmer. “Now, the rains are erratic, and the heat is so intense that whatever you plant gets scorched by the sun or rots before maturing.”

For many farmers in Uzi, these challenges proved overwhelming, pushing them to abandon farming in favour of fishing or seaweed farming. Bi. Rahma was among those who gave up farming, despite owning land inherited from her father. However, she found renewed inspiration through the Zanzibar Women’s Leadership in Adaptation Project (ZanzAdapt). “I had already abandoned the land,” Bi. Rahma shares. “But once the project came, I was motivated to join. I woke up.” 



 A Banana tree growing through the coral terrain

Implemented by Community Forests Pemba (CFP) and its sister organization, Community Forests International (CFI), with funding from Global Affairs Canada, ZanzAdapt equips and builds women as leaders in climate adaptation through nature-based solutions like agroforestry to improve social, ecological, and financial well-being.

Women, despite being among the groups most affected by climate change, are often excluded from decision-making. ZanzAdapt addresses this disparity by providing equitable resources, as well as the training and skills needed for gender-responsive climate adaptation.

The farmers of Uzi are embracing agroforestry as a sustainable solution to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This innovative practice integrates trees with crops and, in some cases, animals, offering a dual benefit: enhancing farm productivity and profitability while contributing to climate change mitigation. By reducing soil erosion, improving soil structure, increasing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon, agroforestry provides a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.

Through ZanzAdapt, farmers have received seedlings, tools, and comprehensive training in climate-resilient farming practices. This support has revitalized agriculture in Uzi, turning barren fields into productive landscapes. “Before we were using traditional methods and not really motivated, after the project came, we got training and seedlings, we’re better equipped now and farming seriously. In my farm I have plantains, pineapples, fruit trees and I’m preparing to plant grains and more” shares Bi. Eshe. 

There is no farming without water. To address the water scarcity in the village, the project has recently supplied water equipment to the villagers. This equipment, including pumps, tanks, and solar-powered systems, will enable fresh water to be drawn from wells and directed to farms, significantly reducing the burden on farmers and increasing the reliability of irrigation. This intervention has increased the drive of farmers like Bi. Eshe “These water materials will be a game changer. We can now irrigate our crops and ensure a stable income for our families, and fight against climate change,” she shares.

The challenges in Uzi still remain—the land is filled with rocks, freshwater is scarce, and climate change has altered natures systems.  Yet, these obstacles no longer seem unbeatable. Through ZanzAdapt, women like Bi. Rahma and Bi. Eshe, have found hope and the courage to persevere. As they reclaim their lands and livelihoods, they are not only cultivating a more sustainable future for their communities but also proving that with the right support and resources, resilience can thrive even in the harshest environments.

 




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