Winning Call: Irerendeni

Let’s dive into Engaruka Ward, in Longido District, northern Tanzania, and meet a remarkable group of 30 rangeland guardians from the Irerendeni group, a true winning team.

This group united with one goal: to reclaim their degraded rangeland from the aggressive spread of Acacia nubica (locally known as Oldepe). The journey began in 2023 on a 4-hectare plot. However, the challenge proved greater than expected, and in 2024, they decided to scale down the restoration area to 1 hectare — determined to finish at least that portion completely.

By November 2024, they had successfully cleared all Acacia nubica from the 1-hectare plot. Yet, new challenges remained: livestock intrusion and the dominance of an invasive forb that prevented the growth of other vegetation. Despite this, the women continue to monitor regrowth and manage the restoration site.

Meanwhile, a few members of the group took the initiative to restore a family-owned plot. Their effort paid off as they harvested grasses that were exchanged for building materials, and the remaining grass was used for roofing homes.

Recognizing their determination, the Irerendeni women were invited to take part in Marketplace Literacy and Village Community Bank (VICOBA) training, a turning point that transformed not just their land, but their lives. Through Marketplace Literacy, they discovered the power of saving, planning, and turning small ideas into real opportunities. Then came VICOBA, and with it, the spark of collective ambition.

They formed a community savings group and pooled their resources. But instead of just saving, they dreamed bigger. Together, they agreed to use their fund to help each member build a better home — starting with those in the greatest need. One by one, members received support to buy building materials from local store owners. For those who already had homes, the group helped cover other urgent needs like repairs or even a goat to start a small business.

Repayment wasn't a burden, it was a shared responsibility. The members who received the most contributed the highest portion, and the rest of the group stood behind them, dividing the remaining amount with unity and trust.

What began as a fight against Acacia nubica has now blossomed into a powerful movement of restoration, solidarity, and self-reliance. The women of Irerendeni are no longer just guardians of the land they are architects of a better future.

Restoration was just the beginning now, the Irerendeni women are turning their restored land into a source of resilience, income, and community pride.