World breached 1.5C global warming target in 2024
How Aqua-Farms is Addressing Climate Change Along Tanzania’s Coast In 2024, global temperatures reached unprecedented highs, surpassing the critical 1.5°C warming threshold. This alarming development has profound implications, especially for coastal communities in the Global South, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. In Tanzania, where many livelihoods depend on marine resources, the need for […]
The Africa Fair Seaweed Finance Facility (AFSFF): Empowering Coastal Communities through Sustainable Seaweed Farming
The Africa Fair Seaweed Finance Facility (AFSFF) is an initiative that aims to transform East Africa’s coastal seaweed farming sector through Climate financing using the CLEAR model. This is through a partnership between Tanzania’s Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) and Kenya’s Mawimbi Ocean Innovation. This groundbreaking initiative strengthens climate resilience, enhances productivity, and improves livelihoods in coastal […]
HISTORICAL CHRONICLES OF THE TANZANIA DIVELAB 2024
Celebrating Tanzania’s Newest Dive Instructors Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) announces the certification of Husna Amimu and Mbonea Mdoe as Dive Instructors through the Tanzania Divelab Initiative. Husna is the first Tanzanian female dive instructor from the initiative. This milestone advances Tanzania’s diving community and marine conservation efforts. Their progression from Dive Masters to Instructors shows how […]
AFO Expands Global Impact Through Strategic Partnerships
Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) has marked a transformative year in 2024, establishing key partnerships that strengthen its position in marine conservation and environmental sustainability. Through strategic alliances with Maliasili, the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), 1% for the Planet, and the OCEAN Grant Programme, AFO has catapulted its impact on marine ecosystem protection and […]
AFO’s 2024 Expansion in Review: Yearly Growth and Impact
As 2024 draws to a close, Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) reflects on a year marked by extraordinary growth and expansion, unwavering dedication to marine conservation, and a deep commitment to uplifting coastal communities. This year, AFO took bold steps to expand its impact, strengthen its team, and extend its reach across Tanzania, reinforcing its role as […]
USAID Heshimu Bahari Project x AFO: Pioneering Marine Conservation Success in Tanzania
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been working in Eastern Africa’s marine conservation space through several initiatives. Among them is the USAID Heshimu Bahari (“Respect the Ocean”) project in Tanzania. Working in partnership with Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO), this initiative has catalyzed both innovation and improvement in sustainable marine resource management, demonstrating remarkable […]
Partnership Secured for Coastal Community Project in Southern Tanzania by AFO under OCEAN Grants
Another significant milestone for both Aqua-Farms Organization and the coastal communities of Southern Tanzania as we proudly announce our inclusion among the 20 funded projects globally under the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature Grant Programme (OCEAN). This initiative, unveiled during Nature, Indigenous People, and Oceans Day at COP29, aims to deliver impactful solutions that tackle […]
We are Breaking the Vicious Circle! (AFO’s Blueprint)
The Vicious cycle is an unprecedented crisis. Heard of it?This is a complex web of threats; climate change, overfishing, harmful aquaculture practices, ecosystem collapse, and community impoverishment which has created a self-reinforcing cycle of degradation. But also, within this crisis there is an opportunity for a transformation. AFO along with other leaders in the blue […]
Why Our Communication Matters in Marine Conservation
You can never protect what you can’t see The vast, blue expanse of our oceans holds secrets, wonders, and challenges that many of us can scarcely imagine. Yet, these waters that cover over 70% of our planet are facing unprecedented threats. From plastic pollution to overfishing, from climate change to habitat destruction, our oceans are […]
AFO at 2024 New York Climate Week: Advancing the future of Marine Conservation and Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods in context of the Global South
The New York Climate Week 2024, held from September 22-29, brought together global leaders, innovators, and changemakers to address pressing climate challenges. However, the representation and voice of African nations in such high-profile events remain a critical concern. The continent, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, faces some of the most severe impacts of […]
Why We Need To Invest in the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
Since 2021, Aqua Farms Organization has been investing in the next generation of Ocean leaders in partnership with Africa refocused program, a partnership between Nature, Environment, Wildlife and Filmmaking Organization (NEWF) and National Geographic Society through Tanzania Dive labs For the past 3 years, over 25 individuals have been certified under different scuba levels from […]
Our Journey through the African Marine Conservation Leadership Program
Clocks tick so fast; the past 8 months have run by with extreme advancement of our Leadership capabilities. “We all have individual leadership styles, and each matters.” Our Executive Director, Jerry Mang’ena and Underwater Program Lead, Ms. Nancy Iraba were privileged to be part of the 2nd Cohort of the African Marine Conservation Leadership Program […]
Partnership Alert: AFO Joins ORRAA as Full Member in Strengthening Ocean Resilience
After three years of partnership with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) is honored to announce its full membership to ORRAA. This milestone signifies our dedication to ocean conservation, coastal community resilience, the sustainable blue economy and most importantly our commitment in building long lasting relationships. AFO and ORRAA first […]
Unfolding Progress for African Fair Seaweed Finance Facility (AFSFF)
The African Fair Seaweed Finance Facility (AFSFF) project is an initiative that is implemented in the coastal regions of Tanzania and Kenya, spearheaded by the Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) and Mawimbi Ocean Innovations, and is set to revolutionize seaweed farming. This project is specifically designed to uplift women-led farming groups, cultivating sustainable practices and enhancing livelihoods. […]
How the USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity is empowering Kilwa’s Coastal Community
The USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity, which means “Respect the Ocean,” is helping local communities take care of their marine environment while improving their lives. We have had this conversation before. Over the past three months, Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) has been busy running capacity building and training sessions for community members and local leaders. These aren’t […]
CHRONICLES OF THE MALIASILI COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP JUNE 2024
Our Executive Director Jerry Mang’ena likes to tell us that “communication is the lungs of any organization” and that took us back to Effective communication which is the cornerstone of any successful organization because it all lies in knowing what constitutes good communication, understanding our audiences, and shaping the perception. These critical elements were at […]
OUR INSIGHTS FROM WILDSCREEN FESTIVAL TANZANIA 2024 IN ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Asking for a sentence that best describes the Wildscreen Festival Tanzania 2024 #WSFTZ2024, Simply put can be ‘A Celebration of African Storytelling Brilliance’ Majestically Gorgeous right? Recalling the time in Arusha, Tanzania the #WSFTZ2024 took us all on a majestic safari I can say, taking us all on an immersive journey through our rich spirit […]
EMBRACING CARBON ONSETTING: A VALUABLE INSIGHT FROM PROF. JERRELL RICHER – GOSHEN COLLEGE
Yesterday (June 19th,2024), I had the privilege of hosting Prof. Jerrell from Goshen College, USA. Our discussion delved into the depths of environmental conservation and carbon management, and I came away with a profound understanding of a concept that has reshaped my approach to sustainability: carbon onsetting. Understanding Carbon Onsetting In the world of environmental […]
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OWN NANCY IRABA: 2024 National Geographic Wayfinder Award Recipient!
With so much honor and joy we are proud to announce that Nancy Iraba, our esteemed Underwater Program Lead at Aqua-Farms Organization, on June 6th 2024 was announced and honored to be among the recipients of the Prestigious 2024 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia and National Geographic! Nancy’s journey in marine conservation has been nothing […]
THE VOICE ACTIVITIES CLOSURE AFTER 8 YEARS OF SUCCESS
For the past eight years, The Voice has been committed to creating better communities in Eastern Africa, and we at Aqua-Farms Organization were lucky to be part of these wonderful years filled with impactful stories of growth and commitment. The Bahari Hub project was a major focus engagement we carried out under The Voice. […]
KILWA SEASCAPE ACTIVITY UNDER USAID HESHIMU BAHARI-INCEPTION & INTRODUCTION MEETING
In Kilwa’s Seascape, a transformative initiative is taking shape, one that promises to empower coastal communities and foster sustainable marine conservation. The USAID Heshimu Bahari project, a beacon of hope for Tanzania’s marine ecosystems, has entrusted Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) and a number of several organizations with a pivotal role in this endeavor along Tanzania’s coastal […]
Artisanal Fisheries Mapping for Better Marine Management in the Southern Coast of Tanzania Mainland
In early 2024, Aqua-Farms Organization, in collaboration with USAID Heshimu Bahari, embarked on a transformative journey along the Southern Coast of Tanzania Mainland under the execution of the “Artisanal Fisheries Patterns Mapping” (AFPM) survey. The mapping aimed at gathering crucial insights from coastal communities within Marine Managed Areas such as Collaborative Fisheries Management Areas (CFMAs) […]
Goshen College students joining forces in reviving the Mangrove ecosystem of Kunduchi
For two days (9th – 10th Feb 2023), Thursday and Friday, a part of our team has been together with the Goshen College students, a United State based private liberal arts college founded in 1894 that has been in Tanzania since January for off-campus studies. The visitation comes after the productive communication with Ryan, a […]
Aqua-Farms Organization the announced blue carbon accelerator
We are delighted to be announced for the first time in the cohort for Blue carbon accelerator that will provide vital support and guidance to leading technology & innovation ventures and NGOs/Community groups, that are working at the forefront of #bluecarbon, to help accelerate, innovate and develop the future of blue carbon markets in […]
A New Dawn at Buyuni: Women Fisher Festival 2022, a HUGE SUCCESS!!
Every 9th December, Tanzania commemorates its Independence Day, and this year we honored 62 years since the country gained its freedom from Britain. As Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere once said “Development needs to reflect on people’s well-being”, in that spirit, Aqua-Farms Organization with support from voice global hosted the first-ever Women Fisher Festival at Buyuni […]
AFO-NEWF partnership equipped 11 Ocean conservationists with Advanced Open
In addressing its long-term project as per Sustainable Development Goal 14 of conserving life below the water in Tanzania targeting coral reefs and seagrasses, Aqua-Farms Organization realized that In Tanzania there is an existing barrier of underwater creatures’ distinction that has been a challenge to marine-related professionals together with filmmakers and storytellers over a year […]
WOMEN WATER WATCH: Citizen science for co-creation of water knowledge
The wWw project is built on the collaboration between the Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) and the Institute of Development Policy (IOB), University of Antwerp. AFO is a Tanzania-based NGO that has extensive experience with local citizen science projects and community involvement in several projects, including topics on seaweed, mangrove restoration, river water quality monitoring, and working with fishing communities. IOB on […]
Inspiring the Next Generation of Mangrove conservationists at Mtakuja Beach Secondary School
On 6th April 2022, a mixture of rainy to a sunny day, our team of Aqua-Farms Organization headed to Mtakuja secondary school located at Kunduchi in Dar es Salaam for a mission dear to our hearts of inspiring the next generation of “well-informed” mangrove conservationists. Mangrove is one of the most underrated coastal ecosystems in […]
Interview with A Mariculture Guru In Tanzania: Is Ocean farming feasible?
For over 20 years Dr Aviti Mmochi from University of Dar es Salaam, who is the Head of Marine Innovation and Technology at Institute of Marine Sciences has been involved in research, consultancy and public service in mariculture and integrated agriculture-aquaculture in Tanzania. In his short interview with Aqua-Farms organization online series, He elaborated on […]