Maasai women turn drought into income through fodder farming in Tanzania
Summary
Maasai women in northern Tanzania are growing special grass to feed animals during droughts. This activity helps them earn money and support their families after many livestock died from dry weather.Key Facts
- Drought killed many animals in northern Tanzania, causing hardship for Maasai communities.
- Women like Nesirkar Loongidong’i started growing drought-resistant grass to feed livestock.
- The Pastoral Women’s Council (PWC), a women-led group, helps organize fodder farming across multiple villages.
- Around 250 women manage about 75 hectares (185 acres) of fodder farms, with plans to expand more.
- These grasses stay green longer in dry times and are sold to local herders for animal feed.
- This work has become a steady business, changing women’s roles from dependents to economic providers.
- In 2025, one seed bank earned about $2,500 from seed sales plus hay bale sales.
- Groups like the Global Fund for Women and Oxfam support these efforts as models for protecting livestock-based economies.
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