Azizi Ally from Pachani village, Mtwara
In Pachani Village, Michija Ward, Nanyumbu District of Mtwara Region, Tanzania, lives Tozini Azizi Ally, a smallholder farmer and father of four whose life has been transformed by agroecology and the revival of neglected and underutilized crops.
“I am a farmer. That is my main occupation,” Tozini begins with pride. “I practice organic farming, which use a sustainable system that integrates crops, trees, and manure, Organic farming is the kind of farming that liberates a farmer.”
For Tozini, liberation has meant breaking free from dependency on expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and rediscovering the nutritional and economic value of traditional crops that many communities had abandoned.
Before joining SWISSAID through the local partner UMICA eight years agao, Tozini used to farm using conventional methods.
Today, under the CROPS4HD project (Consumption of Resilient Orphan Crops and Products for Healthier Diets), he cultivates a rich variety of indigenous crops: local maize, sorghum, groundnuts, pumpkins, beans, pigeon peas, and bambara nuts.
“Many people have shifted to laboratory – improved crops and have forgotten the importantce of our indigenous varieties.” he explains. “But these crops are essential our health. They are rich in proteins and minerals, and they strengthen our immunity.“
“With our own indigenous seeds and organic inputs, we spend less and gain more.”
His family has directly benefited from the shitf of practices. “Since I started growing forgotten crops, my children’s health has improved. They no longer fall sick often, because they get enough nutrition from the food we produce.”
Through SWISSAID, Tozini has received training in organic farming techniques – ranging from soil fertility management to natural pest control and seed selection. He is also a member of Mshikamano Pachani farmers’ group, which SWISSAID supports with collective learning and peer-to-peer exchanges.
“SWISSAID has trained me in crop management, seed selection, storage and even leadership. The knowledge I havec gained has not only helped me, but also my community. Farmers visit my farm to see the methods I use, and some have already adopted them too,” he says.
Instead of relying on chemical presticides, Tozini prepares herbal solutions from neem and other plants. “When pests attack, I spray herbal medicines weekly. They don’t kill the pest but repel them, and crops grow well.”
Tozini acknowledges that organic farming comes with challenges, especially in preparing and transporting compost (mboji) and manure. Water scarcity during the hot season also makes composting difficult. Still, he has learned to adapt. “If we can get better infrastructure for transporting manure, and access enough water, we would be able to overcome these challenges“, he explains.
Climate change is another threat, but Tozini applies agroecological practices like intercropping with legumes and planting trees to protect the soil and maintain moisture.
A passionate seed custodian, Tozini dreams of establishing a community seed bank to preserve indigenous varieties. “My dream is to have a seed bank for our traditional crops. It will give farmers hope, because they will know they can always access good seeds.”
Tozini’s final words are an appeal for scaling up. “I urge SWISSAID to continue supporting farmers and to reach more areas. To continue promoting organic farming and indigenous seeds, in order to reduce dependence on chemicals and build healthier, stronger communities.”