(3 Minutes Read)
When North Mara Gold Mine embarked on an agribusiness venture with 100 young people from the surrounding villages, few could have predicted its impact. It all began as a modest ten-acre garden and has quickly become a transformative force, cultivating not only crops but also economic empowerment in Tanzania’s North Mara Region.
This initiative—known as the Matongo Agribusiness Project— redefined “green gold,” providing skills, self-reliance and a sustainable future to a community once reliant on mining alone. Now in its second year, the Matongo Agribusiness Project has started to yield impressive results.100 young participants have completed training in modern farming techniques and are now graduating with the skills and confidence to establish their farms. Equipped with irrigation infrastructure and farming tools provided by the mine, these young farmers are taking their first steps toward economic independence and turning agriculture into a vibrant, sustainable livelihood.
The Matongo Agribusiness Project has truly reshaped how young people in the area view their future. With hands-on training, tools and market access, the project has created a unique pathway for participants like Hussein to achieve self-reliance and inspire others to follow suit. The Matongo Agribusiness Project has not only transformed the lives of its participants but also created new opportunities for local vendors. Fresh produce is now available close to home, reducing travel costs for traders who once journeyed long distances to stock their stalls.
The accessibility of fresh, affordable vegetables has boosted the local economy, helped vendors and created a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. With new revenue streams for local farmers and traders alike, the project is steadily building a self-sustaining ecosystem around agriculture.
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What began as a small agribusiness initiative has grown into a transformative model for sustainable community development. The Matongo Agribusiness Project has proven that with the right support, young people can shift from reliance on extractive industries to becoming self-sustaining farmers, building a legacy of economic empowerment.
Through its community responsibility fund, North Mara Gold Mine has not only provided the necessary resources but has also created a platform for lasting change. With 100 youths now equipped with skills, tools and a network for marketing their produce, the project stands as a testament to how corporate social responsibility can create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for local communities.
