Partners, government leaders, youth advocates, and members of the conservation community gathered at the National Museum of Tanzania to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking work in wildlife research and community-based conservation transformed humanity’s relationship with nature and inspired generations of environmental stewards.Held under the theme “Celebrating a Legacy of Hope through Action,” the memorial ceremony brought together representatives from the Government, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), development partners, diplomatic missions, and young leaders from the Roots & Shoots movement to reflect on a life devoted not only to science, but to service, compassion, and collective responsibility for the planet.Dr. Goodall’s journey began in Tanzania’s Gombe forests more than six decades ago, where her pioneering research on chimpanzees reshaped modern understanding of animal behaviour and challenged long-standing assumptions about the relationship between humans and the natural world. Over time, her work expanded beyond research to community engagement, youth empowerment, and global advocacy for conservation and sustainable development.Today, that legacy continues to shape both national and global efforts to protect biodiversity while improving livelihoods.Speaking at the ceremony, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, emphasized the deep alignment between Dr. Goodall’s life’s work and the United Nations’ mission in Tanzania.“Dr. Jane Goodall showed the world that conservation and development are inseparable,” she noted. “Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of thriving communities. Her legacy reminds us that hope is not passive, it is something we create through action.”Across Tanzania, the United Nations works closely with the Government and partners to advance sustainable development, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and youth empowerment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts reflect the very principles Dr. Goodall championed throughout her life: local solutions, community ownership, and the power of young people to lead change.A cornerstone of this shared vision is the longstanding partnership between the United Nations and the Roots & Shoots movement, the global youth programme founded by Dr. Goodall. Through this collaboration, young people across Tanzania are taking practical action to address environmental challenges in their communities.From tree planting and ecosystem restoration to environmental education and climate advocacy, Roots & Shoots members are contributing directly to Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action while building leadership skills and strengthening civic engagement.“At the United Nations in Tanzania, we are proud to partner with Roots & Shoots in mobilizing young people as champions for environmental stewardship,” Ms. Namondo said. “When young people plant trees or restore their local environment, they are not only protecting nature, they are building ownership, responsibility, and hope for the future.”Throughout the ceremony, tributes from family members, conservation leaders, government representatives, and youth advocates underscored the profound and lasting influence of Dr. Goodall’s work. A special poetry performance and stories of change from young Roots & Shoots members highlighted how her message continues to inspire new generations to take action locally while thinking globally. For many attendees, the event served not only as a moment of remembrance, but as a call to continue her work.As the climate crisis intensifies and biodiversity loss accelerates worldwide, Dr. Goodall’s example offers a clear path forward: partnership, persistence, and belief in the power of individuals to make a difference.Her philosophy that every action counts and every person matters remains especially relevant for Tanzania, a country rich in natural heritage and youthful energy.The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Government of Tanzania, civil society, and development partners to protect the country’s ecosystems, strengthen resilience to climate change, and create opportunities for young people to shape a more sustainable future.Because, as Dr. Goodall often reminded the world, hope is not something we wait for, it is something we choose to create.And across Tanzania, that hope continues to grow.

When visitors arrive at her crab farm in Bumbwini, Mafufuni, Mtuma Hamisi Haji sees it as more than a courtesy call. For her, it is a chance to learn, reflect and improve.“Whenever visitors come, it makes us happy,” she says. “It means we can talk, be corrected, and understand how to do things better.”Mtuma is a mother and an aquafarmer, and a member of Asalaam Alaykum, a local group engaged in aquaculture in Unguja. While group members also farm fish and keep bees, mud crab farming has become a key source of income for Mtuma and many women in her community.On her plot, more than 250 containers are arranged carefully, each holding crabs at different stages of growth. It is a system built gradually — through trial, error and, more recently, structured support. Turning potential into practiceFor years, crab farming in the area was informal. Farmers sold their harvest quickly, often without knowing how prices were determined.“We used to rush to sell,” Mtuma recalls. “Buyers would weigh the crabs and give us money, but we didn’t know the grades or the value. We had no choice.”That began to change under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP) 2021–2027, supported by the Government of Tanzania, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and beneficiaries themselves. AFDP aims to strengthen inclusive food systems by improving productivity, building climate resilience and expanding market opportunities — with particular attention to women and youth.Through the programme, Mtuma and her fellow group members received training in improved mud crab farming practices, alongside starter support and basic infrastructure.“We were trained step by step,” she says. “We learned how to prepare the containers, how to observe growth, and how to manage the crabs properly.” Skills, confidence and incomeThe training helped farmers understand quality, timing and handling — knowledge that directly affects income.“Now, we don’t just sell because we are desperate,” Mtuma explains. “We check the crabs. We know which ones are ready and which are not.”For Mtuma, the results are tangible. Crab farming now helps her support her children and meet household and social responsibilities — things that once felt out of reach.“Without this project, I don’t know what I would have done,” she says. “Now, when there is a need, I can stand up and provide.”Her experience reflects a wider shift. Under AFDP, aquafarmers in Unguja and Pemba have been trained in improved mud crab farming techniques, with women making up a significant share of participants. Youth and people with disabilities are also included, reinforcing the programme’s focus on equity and opportunity. Farming together, growing stronger Although each farmer manages her own plot, the work is rooted in cooperation. Members of Asalaam Alaykum share tasks, exchange knowledge and support one another when challenges arise.“This farm is mine,” Mtuma says, “but the learning is shared. We move forward together.”That sense of solidarity has strengthened confidence, particularly among women. Mtuma now welcomes visitors who want to learn about crab farming and is ready to share what she knows.“I didn’t have formal education in this,” she says. “But with the right support, anyone can learn and improve their life.” Looking ahead While progress is clear, challenges remain. Farmers hope for additional technical training, better equipment such as boats and traps, and improved market access to ensure fair and transparent pricing.These needs are well aligned with AFDP’s broader investments in fisheries and aquaculture — from research on mud crab breeding and feed, to strengthening farmer skills and value chains.For Mtuma, the direction is clear. “This project has helped me a lot,” she says. “It has given me a livelihood, dignity and hope for the future.

Across the islands of Unguja and Pemba, seaweed farming remains a vital source of income for coastal communities. For many households—particularly women—it is one of the few reliable livelihood options available. However, low prices, climate-related losses and limited opportunities for value addition have long constrained the sector’s potential.Under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP), implemented from 2021 to 2027, targeted support is helping seaweed farmers strengthen productivity, improve quality and build resilience. In Zanzibar, AFDP-supported activities reach multiple coastal communities and groups across both Unguja and Pemba, supporting farmers through skills development, improved post-harvest infrastructure and opportunities for value addition, with particular attention to women, youth and persons with disabilities. Strengthening skills and farming practicesCommunity training and outreach have been central to improving seaweed farming practices. Across Unguja and Pemba, farmers have been supported to adopt better planting, handling and post-harvest techniques, helping them reduce losses and improve the overall quality of their seaweed. These trainings have also encouraged farmers to look beyond the sale of raw seaweed and explore new ways of increasing its value.In Unguja, women-led groups such as Furahia Wanawake illustrate how skills development can translate into practical change. Group members describe how learning new processing techniques enabled them to begin producing seaweed-based products, moving from small-scale manual production to more organised and efficient methods. Similar improvements in awareness of quality standards and handling practices have been reported by farmers in Pemba. Improving quality through better drying infrastructure Improved drying infrastructure has played a key role in enhancing seaweed quality and reducing climate-related risks. In both Unguja and Pemba, AFDP-supported solar dryers and rehabilitated drying racks have replaced traditional ground drying methods that exposed seaweed to sand, rain and contamination.In Micheweni, Pemba, farmers explain that before the introduction of safer drying areas, seaweed was often rejected by buyers due to poor quality. With the new drying facilities, farmers are now able to dry seaweed more quickly and hygienically, even during periods of bad weather. As one farmer noted, “Previously we dried seaweed on the ground, and it was often mixed with sand or dirt. Now we dry it in safe areas, and the seaweed is clean and accepted by buyers.” Farmers report that safer and faster drying has reduced losses and increased confidence when selling their harvest. At the same time, experiences across communities highlight the need to continue expanding drying facilities to match the number of active farmers, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. Adding value and building resilience Value addition has emerged as an important pathway for improving incomes and strengthening resilience. By processing seaweed into products such as flour and soaps, farmers—particularly women’s groups—are reducing their dependence on fluctuating raw seaweed prices and creating new income streams.In Unguja, members of the Furahia Wanawake group describe how processing seaweed has transformed their livelihoods. One group member shared, “When we were only farming and selling raw seaweed, the income was very small. After learning how to process it into products, we earn more and can better support our families.” Despite these gains, challenges remain. Climate change continues to affect production through rising temperatures, shifting currents and unpredictable rainfall. Farmers also highlight the need for stronger market linkages, continued training and investment in processing equipment to scale up value addition. Looking aheadExperiences from Unguja and Pemba show that with the right mix of skills development, infrastructure and inclusive support, seaweed farming can become a more resilient and viable livelihood. Under AFDP, these interventions are helping farmers improve quality, reduce losses and expand economic opportunities across multiple communities in Zanzibar.

When visitors arrive at her crab farm in Bumbwini, Mafufuni, Mtuma Hamisi Haji sees it as more than a courtesy call. For her, it is a chance to learn, reflect and improve.“Whenever visitors come, it makes us happy,” she says. “It means we can talk, be corrected, and understand how to do things better.”Mtuma is a mother and an aquafarmer, and a member of Asalaam Alaykum, a local group engaged in aquaculture in Unguja. While group members also farm fish and keep bees, mud crab farming has become a key source of income for Mtuma and many women in her community.On her plot, more than 250 containers are arranged carefully, each holding crabs at different stages of growth. It is a system built gradually — through trial, error and, more recently, structured support. Turning potential into practiceFor years, crab farming in the area was informal. Farmers sold their harvest quickly, often without knowing how prices were determined.“We used to rush to sell,” Mtuma recalls. “Buyers would weigh the crabs and give us money, but we didn’t know the grades or the value. We had no choice.”That began to change under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP) 2021–2027, supported by the Government of Tanzania, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and beneficiaries themselves. AFDP aims to strengthen inclusive food systems by improving productivity, building climate resilience and expanding market opportunities — with particular attention to women and youth.Through the programme, Mtuma and her fellow group members received training in improved mud crab farming practices, alongside starter support and basic infrastructure.“We were trained step by step,” she says. “We learned how to prepare the containers, how to observe growth, and how to manage the crabs properly.” Skills, confidence and incomeThe training helped farmers understand quality, timing and handling — knowledge that directly affects income.“Now, we don’t just sell because we are desperate,” Mtuma explains. “We check the crabs. We know which ones are ready and which are not.”For Mtuma, the results are tangible. Crab farming now helps her support her children and meet household and social responsibilities — things that once felt out of reach.“Without this project, I don’t know what I would have done,” she says. “Now, when there is a need, I can stand up and provide.”Her experience reflects a wider shift. Under AFDP, aquafarmers in Unguja and Pemba have been trained in improved mud crab farming techniques, with women making up a significant share of participants. Youth and people with disabilities are also included, reinforcing the programme’s focus on equity and opportunity. Farming together, growing stronger Although each farmer manages her own plot, the work is rooted in cooperation. Members of Asalaam Alaykum share tasks, exchange knowledge and support one another when challenges arise.“This farm is mine,” Mtuma says, “but the learning is shared. We move forward together.”That sense of solidarity has strengthened confidence, particularly among women. Mtuma now welcomes visitors who want to learn about crab farming and is ready to share what she knows.“I didn’t have formal education in this,” she says. “But with the right support, anyone can learn and improve their life.” Looking ahead While progress is clear, challenges remain. Farmers hope for additional technical training, better equipment such as boats and traps, and improved market access to ensure fair and transparent pricing.These needs are well aligned with AFDP’s broader investments in fisheries and aquaculture — from research on mud crab breeding and feed, to strengthening farmer skills and value chains.For Mtuma, the direction is clear. “This project has helped me a lot,” she says. “It has given me a livelihood, dignity and hope for the future.