As part of AGEN’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen civic education, agricultural extension, and community development, several university student-led projects have recently been implemented across Morogoro and surrounding areas. These projects showcase practical learning, community empowerment, and sustainable development in action.

Agricultural Extension and Vegetable Production

Class Groups 8 and 4 serving Tunaweza & Twidike Community Based Groups respectively

Prepared seedbeds and ridges for vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, okra, eggplant, and sweet potato leaves.
Conducted weeding, pruning, and planting activities to improve productivity.
Shared knowledge on proper spacing, seed quality, and sustainable practices.
Value added: improved seedbed preparation, weeding management, tree pruning, and planting techniques.
Community feedback: members expressed gratitude for improved knowledge and practices.
Challenges: low-quality seeds, water scarcity, and limited extension officer support.
Lessons: participatory learning, post-harvest handling, and leadership skills.

Gender Balance and Financial Empowerment

Class Group 7 serving Tuokoane VICOBA

Addressed disparities in meeting attendance between men and women.
Proposed acquisition of chairs to improve meeting comfort and inclusivity.
Encouraged male participation through outreach, flexible meeting times, and leadership roles.
Value addition: improved infrastructure, gender balance, and profitability.
Community feedback: members welcomed interventions to strengthen participation and transparency.

Field Work Report

Provided education on gender equality in leadership and participation.
Encouraged increased contributions to strengthen group capital.
Promoted small businesses and reinvestment of profits.
Recommendations: regular sensitization, increased savings, and investment in income-generating activities.

Sunflower Oil Processing

Class Group 6 serving Colmas Community Group

Women engaged in seed sorting, oil pressing, packaging, and labeling.
Men contributed to seed sourcing, equipment maintenance, refining, and distribution.
Established partnerships with sunflower producers and provided training in refining and marketing.
Value added: improved product quality, employment creation, and direct marketing.
Community feedback: satisfaction with improved oil quality and strengthened household economies.
Challenges: lack of capital, poor facilities, and financial constraints.
Plans: expand production through loans, partnerships, and market monitoring.

Soap Production and Gender Equity

Class Group 1 serving Fahari Sile Community Based Groups

Conducted training on soap production techniques, hygiene, and quality control.
Facilitated gender awareness sessions to promote equitable participation.
Value added: increased women’s confidence, fair distribution of roles, and strengthened collaboration.
Community feedback: both men and women recognized the benefits of inclusive leadership.
Challenges: resistance to change and time management.
Plans: leadership training for women, gender-sensitive marketing, and monitoring participation.

Batiki (Cloth Making) and Vegetable Production

Class Group 8 serving Tunaweza Community Based Gripu

Supported vegetable production alongside batiki (cloth) making.
Added value through proper seedbed preparation, weeding, pruning, and planting.
Leveraged social media branding to expand batiki markets.
Reflection: improved crop yields, better farm sustainability, and expanded market reach.
Plans: scale up vegetable production and strengthen batiki branding.

Conclusion

These diverse projects highlight AGEN’s mission to empower communities through practical agricultural extension, gender equity, entrepreneurship, and civic education. By integrating student-led initiatives with community needs, AGEN continues to foster sustainable development, inclusivity, and innovation.

Learn more about AGEN’s projects here: AGEN Projects

Community Empowerment Projects – AGEN Highlights