Blog A lead farmer driving change: Zena’s regenerative agriculture success in Tanzania
In Kiteto District, Tanzania, climate change continues to challenge smallholder farmers through unpredictable rainfall and declining soil fertility. Yet, amid these challenges, inspiring stories of resilience and innovation are emerging—one of them is Zena Mwimbono, a lead farmer working with Kibaigwa Flour Supplies (KFS).
From training to transformation
Zena’s journey began when she participated in a lead farmer training organized under the Growing Together Program, which is led by IDH, funded by Norad, and implemented in partnership with Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT, Rikolto, and EAGC in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Through this training, she gained practical knowledge on regenerative and climate-smart agriculture practices ranging from soil fertility improvement using manure to better crop management techniques such as intercropping and efficient planting methods.
Inspired by the training, Zena established a demonstration plot for maize using regenerative agriculture principles. With support from Kibaigwa Flour Supplies (KFS), Zena accessed certified seeds, which contributed to the success of her demonstration plots.
When project teams visited her farm, they were impressed by the health, uniformity, and vigor of her crop, clear evidence of the benefits of these practices.
Zena participating in a lead farmers training facilitated by Alliance in collaboration with KFS.
Mechanization for efficiency and cost savings
A key driver of Zena’s success has been her adoption of a manual planter. This simple yet effective technology has transformed her farming operations:
- Reduced labor and time requirements
- Improved planting precision and spacing
- Lower production costs
Usually it would take me a whole day to plant 2 acres using manual digging of holes and using the planting rope. But since I used 2 planters pushed by 2 men, I was able to plant the same 2 acres in 2 hours. Further the planter guarantees precise spacing and controls number of seed dropped either one or two per station, Zena observed
Unlike conventional fuel-based machinery, the manual planter is affordable and accessible, making it particularly suitable for smallholder farmers.
A manual planter used by Zena to improve planting efficiency and reduce costs.
Scaling impact through services and knowledge sharing
Zena has gone beyond her own farm to become a catalyst for change in her community. She is now:
- Providing mechanization services (including planting support) to neighbouring farmers
- Offering advisory and training based on her experience
- Hosting demonstration learning visits on her farm
Her farm has effectively become a local learning hub, where farmers can see firsthand the benefits of regenerative agriculture and improved agronomy.
Championing inclusive innovation
As a woman farmer, Zena’s work also highlights the importance of gender-responsive agricultural technologies. While mechanization has improved efficiency, observations from the field show that many machines are still primarily operated by men. Zena’s experience provides valuable insights into how technologies can be better adapted to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for women farmers.
A model for community-level change
Zena Mwimbono is more than a successful farmer—she is a champion of change driving agricultural transformation. Her work demonstrates how:
- Training + practical application leads to real impact
- Regenerative agriculture improves productivity and resilience
- Local champions accelerate adoption among farmers
- Women farmers can play a central role in scaling innovation
Through her example, Zena is helping build climate-resilient and sustainable food systems in Tanzania.
Zena with partners from the Alliance and Kibaigwa Flour Supplies during a field visit.
