Improving the livelihoods of coastal communities
Bagomoyo is a coastal district in Tanzania’s Pwani (Coast) Region and home to Saadani National Park, the country’s only park integrating both marine and terrestrial environments, providing habitat for diverse wildlife and marine species. Communities here face significant challenges due to climate change, increased resource extraction, and marine ecosystem degradation, all of which threaten their livelihoods. The villages of Pande, Saadani, Kaole, Kondo and Mlingotoni are particularly affected, with over 60% households directly dependent on marine resources for income.
This project aims to enhance coastal livelihoods of coastal communities by promoting sustainable marine resource management and climate-smart income-generating activities. Strategic partnerships will help to facilitate capacity building, establish income-generating groups, and financial inclusion via Savings and Loan Groups (VLS-VICOBA). Environmental sustainability will be addressed through conservation activities such as mangrove reforestation and beach cleanups, contributing to marine biodiversity restoration and climate change mitigation.
By integrating gender equality, disability inclusion, and community-driven conservation, this project aims to support a more resilient and inclusive coastal economy. It targets youth, women, and people living with disabilities, equipping them with technical skills in mariculture, ecotourism, and beekeeping while fostering economic resilience through entrepreneurship and capital access support. The project outcomes aim to directly benefit 100 households and more than 32,000 people across five villages. This includes 50 households that are women-led and 10 that include individuals with disabilities. Overall, 100 young people and 80 women will be targeted.
Photo credits: Smart Youth Effort for Advanced Community
