Ace Africa Tanzania has been working to increase the knowledge of, access to and sustainability of environmental protection services. Through creative education, local leadership, government support and sustainable business initiatives, Ace Africa is not just protecting the environment but empowering communities.
Spreading awareness through interactive drama
One of the most impactful methods Ace Africa Tanzania uses is the use of drama events to educate the community about environmental protection. Last year we hosted 10 school drama events across the Longido and Arusha districts, reaching 2,830 children. In addition to this 2 community drama events engaged 422 people with interactive performances highlighting the importance of tree planting, conserving water sources, and combatting deforestation.
Audiences asked questions, shared ideas, and even suggested improvements for the plays — a powerful way to embed environmental knowledge within the community.
Training advocates for a greener tomorrow
We understand that sustainable change requires local leadership. That’s why we train key community figures to become environmental advocates. Through this project we trained 20 teachers from 10 schools in practical skills such as organic manure preparation and tree planting techniques. These teachers have since formed environmental clubs at school, inspiring the students on the importance of good agricultural practices.
Beyond schools, we also established a community environmental protection committee comprising of 20 members. With the support of the government environmental protection officers members were trained in the benefits of proper planting methods, and alternative fuel sources, this committee actively supports their community by providing technical guidance and advocating for better environmental protection.
Empowering young people in small enterprises
Environmental conservation goes hand-in-hand with economic empowerment. So, we trained 15 youth advocates in bee-keeping and another 15 in tree nurseries — both eco-friendly small enterprises (SMEs). The bee-keeping group has already sold 105 liters of honey worth 1,050,000 Tshs (£323), while the tree nursery has become a hub of knowledge, welcoming 623 community members seeking advice on tree planting.
We have also engaged 30 young people in VICOBA (village banking and saving schemes) training, accumulating group income of Tsh 6,877,000 (£2,175) through regular saving and lending activities. These initiatives not only provide sustainable incomes but also reduce reliance on environmentally harmful practices like charcoal burning.
Planting seeds for the future
Ace Tanzania distributed 5,000 tree seedlings to 10 schools and 500 seedlings to a community nursery, introducing drought-resistant species such as Acacia, Moringa, and Guava. To combat challenges like drought and roaming livestock, teachers and students adopted innovative methods like using plastic bottle drip irrigation and community bylaws to protect seedlings.
Provision of eco stoves
Providing 50 households — comprising 250 community members — with eco-friendly cooking stoves reduces wood use by 75%, cutting smoke emissions and allowing families to use alternative fuel sources like maize scraps, ultimately decreasing reliance on firewood and charcoal.
Neema’s Journey
Neema, a 24-year-old mother of four from Longido, is a shining example of how Ace Africa’s work transforms lives. Before joining the VICOBA program, Neema struggled to make ends meet by selling firewood and charcoal. After receiving training and a loan of Tsh 350,000 (£110), she launched a poultry business, earning Tsh 673,000 (£213) in its first six months. She reinvested her profits in livestock — buying a cow and two goats — and now educates her peers about environmentally friendly business practices.
“I now have a stable, eco-friendly income that supports my family and inspires others in my community,” says Neema.
We look forward to continuing to create a greener more resilient future for communities across rural Tanzania.