Poland in Tanzania

For several years now, the aim of the involvement of the Polish Embassy in Kilombero Valley has been to support local activities to develop and improve solutions in the area of coexistence of wild animals and local communities, taking into account problems arising with the expansion of human settlements and agriculture into the areas where these animals occur, for instance along the borders of protected areas.

This year, thanks to Polish Aid funds, the Embassy of Poland in Dar es Salaam has co-financed the renovation and expansion of several fences protecting agricultural crop fields against elephant incursions, and has supported the continuation of an educational program on the peaceful coexistence of people and elephants addressed to students of over 20 schools in the region. We have also supported the establishment of new Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA). This financial education activity brings measurable benefits to local farmers, as it allows them, among others, to make financial loans at lower interest rates, thanks to which they are able, for example, to refrain from selling their crops until the latter reach a higher value on the market.

Moreover, it is for the first time that this year we engaged Polish Aid funds to coach local guides working in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and we supported the authorities of the park in clearing the first long-distance tourist trail with a view to using the potential of this region as an attractive destination not only for domestic, but also for foreign tourists.

During his visit to the project sites, Ambassador Krzysztof Buzalski met the Director of Udzungwa National Park Abel Mtui, a team of the Tanzanian Park Guards, representatives of the non-governmental organizations including STEP (Southern Tanzania Elephant Program), Reforest Africa, Associazzione Mazingira and a cooperative of local guides who, thanks to Polish Aid funds, have been trained in providing first aid to tourists in need in the park.