A Decade of Dialogue: 10th Annual Agroforestry Symposium Opens with Pomp and Purpose in Musoma

Musoma, Tanzania – The Vi Agroforestry Training Centre in Bweri, Musoma, was alive with colour and celebration as the 10th Annual Agroforestry Symposium officially commenced, marking a significant decade of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

The event’s main guest, Dr. Yasinta Beda Nzogela, Tanzania’s Director of Crop Development, inaugurated the symposium by commending Vi Agroforestry for its ten-year commitment to this vital platform.

“This is more than an event; it is a cornerstone of our collective effort,” Dr. Nzogela stated. “For years, Vi Agroforestry has been at the forefront, fighting against climate change and poverty together. This is highly commendable.”

Emphasising the timely theme, ‘Agroforestry for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,’ Dr. Nzogela highlighted its relevance in an era of intensifying climate impacts across the region. “Agroforestry has proven itself as a powerful, nature-based solution—a direct answer to food security, climate resilience, and the urgent need for land restoration,” she affirmed.

She concluded with a powerful call to action, urging all stakeholders to deepen their collaboration with the government. “It is essential that we work hand-in-hand with our grassroots Agroforestry Committees to turn critical national and global plans into tangible action on the ground.”

A Milestone, Not Just a Meeting

Echoing this sentiment, Vi Agroforestry’s Secretary General, Charlotta Szczepanowski, declared the symposium a landmark achievement. “This is a testament to a powerful truth: where trees grow, people grow,” she said.

Her vision stretched beyond Musoma to the global climate stage. “As we celebrate this decade, let us set our sights on COP 30 in Belem. It is historic that this conference is being held in the Amazon. We must call on global leaders to realign power with grassroots communities. Smallholder farmers are not merely victims of climate change; they are indispensable agents of change. Their voices must be heard in Belem,” Charlotta stated.

Inspiring Replication and Deepening Impact

Vi Agroforestry’s Regional Director, Leif Newman, highlighted the symposium’s role as a model for the region. “This platform, where farmers, researchers, and policymakers meet as equals, is an inspiration. It must be replicated across other countries,” he said.

Reflecting on Vi Agroforestry’s 40-year legacy, Newman spoke of deep roots and enduring partnerships.

“While others retreat, we are scaling up. Our programmes, like the new ASILI B project, are directly linked to the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Outlining the ambitious path forward for ASILI B: Building a Sustainable Future for Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania, he announced five key priorities for powerful impact:

1. Building stronger farmer organisations.
2. Accelerating climate change adaptation, mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.
3. Enhancing food and nutrition security.
4. Advocating for evidence-based policy.
5. Securing meaningful and powerful partnerships.

A major highlight of the symposium was the vibrant Knowledge Hub, a dynamic space that truly embodied the event’s collaborative spirit. This dedicated arena buzzed with energy as experts, researchers, and farmers engaged in deep, meaningful dialogue.

The highlight was a panel discussion led by the East Africa Drylands Agroforestry Expert Group, supported by the Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI) and Vi Agroforestry.

The symposium was further graced by the presence of senior Vi Agroforestry leadership, including Country Manager Tanzania, Martha Olotu, and her Kenyan counterpart, Dorcas Munyua. They were joined by a diverse cohort of high-profile dignitaries from government bodies, the private sector, and civil society, underscoring the event’s multi-stakeholder approach.

Held from November 13–15, 2025, the 10th Annual Agroforestry Symposium stands as a vibrant hub for advancing sustainable farming. With a legacy of over 163 million trees planted and ten successful symposiums, Vi Agroforestry continues to prove a powerful formula: when we invest in farmers and the land, everyone grows.

This content was first posted on Vi Agroforestry and is republished here with permission.