Morogoro Plans for Carbon Trade Revenue

Why this is here: The project includes planting over 200,000 seedlings of spice and fruit trees, such as cloves, cocoa, and cinnamon, across four districts in the Morogoro region.

Government officials in Morogoro, Tanzania, have begun implementing a plan to plant two million fruit and spice trees by 2030. The initiative seeks to create opportunities in carbon trading, conserve the environment, and increase income for residents. So far, over 200,000 seedlings of crops like cloves, cocoa, avocados, and cinnamon have been planted in Kilosa, Kilombero, Mvomero, and Mlimba.

Peter Gama, an agricultural advisor for the Morogoro regional commissioner’s office, explains the government is investing in agroforestry to link environmental conservation with economic development. Farmers can continue harvesting staple crops while trees grow, preserving the environment. The government also distributes seedlings through a campaign encouraging first-form students to plant trees on family farms.

Victoria John, director of the Community Empowerment and Environmental Welfare Institute, notes many farmers already practice agroforestry without understanding its full benefits, including carbon markets. While the project aims to educate residents on sustainable land use, it remains to be seen how effectively farmers will navigate international carbon markets. The work to connect communities to these markets continues.