New Campaign Supporting Project to Address Food Insecurity in Tanzania

Utilizing local sources of rock dust to regenerate low-nutrient soils

In partnership with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Tanzania, US-based nonprofit Remineralize the Earth (RTE) is raising funds to introduce locally sourced, mineral-rich volcanic, basalt, rock dust and biochar to soils in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania to improve soil fertility, crop yields, and income for subsistence farmers and their families (see our earlier article to learn more about this project). RTE promotes the use of natural land and sea-based minerals to restore soils and forests, produce more nutritious food, and remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere. Given the immediate and growing threats of climate change, desertification, and increased food insecurity, RTE is helping to create better soils, better food, and a better planet.

Across Tanzania, agriculture employs 75% of the working population. Soils vary dramatically from region to region in their mineral and nutrient composition, affecting soil fertility and farmers’ ability to grow nutritious food. Across the country, even in regions with low soil nutrients, subsistence farming persists as a challenging means of survival. Chemical fertilizers are not affordable for 95% of small-scale farmers in Tanzania as prices have skyrocketed due to geopolitical conflict. Locally sourced rock powders offer a local and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, and when added to local soils are expected to boost crop yields and nutrient density considerably, and in turn lead to better outcomes for farming communities and natural ecosystems across the Kilimanjaro Region.

A new fundraising campaign

A fundraiser in Spring 2023 supported trials with farming communities near Miwaleni Springs in the Kilimanjaro region. This money, in addition to grants garnered by Remineralize the Earth, enabled EWB-Tanzania to distribute free bags of Rutubisha and training to small scale farmers across the Moshi District and the Morogoro region in June 2023. To continue distribution and training to reach additional communities, RTE has initiated a new fundraiser with a goal of $2,500.

Following initial distributions and training, the team began receiving small-scale orders for Rutubisha and is offering it to farmers at significantly more affordable prices than imported chemical fertilizers, at just $5 per bag on average. 

The team continues to optimize and scale the production of Rutubisha to continue offering the product to local farmers at low or no cost and ensure individuals throughout Tanzania can incorporate Rutubisha into their existing farming techniques to improve crop yields, nutrient density, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers that degrade soils over time.

With your help, more small-scale farmers can regenerate soils, grow their way out of hunger, and build lasting pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

On average a donation of $100 provides Rutubisha fertilizer to one family to farm one acre for 2 -3 years and produce 5-15 tons of cereals, tubers, fruits and vegetables, enough to support their basic nutritional needs and earn an increased income. Supporting 200 small-scale farmers will ensure an entire village can access quality food and better livelihoods.

RTE is applying for larger-scale grants on behalf of EWB-Tanzania to further scale impact. Currently the team is focusing on grants of $7,000-$15,000, but hopes to apply for larger grants of $50,000 and above over a 2 year period, as the efficacy of Rutubisha is realized and demand grows across Tanzania.

Subsistence farmers grow what they need to survive. Even small boosts in crop yields and nutrient density could lead to surplus nutritious food to sell, generating income and better health in a region experiencing widespread poverty and malnutrition.

EWB Tanzania has provided sustainable solutions to socioeconomic and environmental challenges across Tanzania, and RTE has supported several projects like this one through grants and securing impact investors through our international network.

Become a Sponsor!

With your help, more small-scale farmers can regenerate soils, grow their way out of hunger, and build lasting pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Donate today to create economic opportunities and food security for small farmers in Tanzania!