From September 1 to 3, CWMAC, in partnership with WWF Tanzania, visited the villages of Magingo, Nalika, and Chingoli Wildlife Management Areas as part of the second phase of the Leading The Change (LTC) Project. The focus was clear: to understand the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that drive local livelihoods, identify the challenges they face, and chart pathways to strengthen their sustainability and growth.
In Magingo WMA, we met beekeepers celebrating their sweet successes, furniture makers crafting their dreams, fish farmers navigating daily challenges, and mamalishe groups keeping cultural traditions alive. Every conversation painted a vivid picture of both hurdles and hope, highlighting the vital link between thriving enterprises and resilient communities.
In Nalika and Chingoli WMAs, innovation and determination shone through. The Tembo Women Group, long challenged by elephants raiding their farms, turned conflict into creativity. They collect elephant dung, process it into pulp, and craft beautiful A4 paper sheets printed with wildlife images, a product that transforms a persistent problem into pride and income. With additional support to build chili fences, they are now safeguarding their harvests while growing their enterprise sustainably.
These stories illustrate the heart of the LTC Project: strengthening local enterprises, building economic resilience, and supporting communities as they protect the landscapes and wildlife that sustain them. By developing a comprehensive inventory and analysis of SMEs, identifying key growth challenges, and proposing strategic pathways for sustainability and scalability, CWMAC and WWF Tanzania are ensuring that conservation and community prosperity move forward together.