A multi-stakeholder meeting to establish the Farm Forest Facility (FFF) Implementation Platform was successfully held on 14 February 2025 at VETA Mikumi Hall, bringing together 25 participants from key institutions and community groups. The meeting aimed to increase awareness of the FFF project and to establish a coordination platform that will guide effective implementation. Participants included representatives from the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), researchers from Sokoine University of Agriculture, project beneficiaries, local forest governing committees, village and ward government leaders, district council officials from forestry and agriculture departments, ward councilors, and MVIWAMORO as the implementing partner. During the meeting, participants engaged in presentations, open discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and group work to build a shared understanding of the project’s goals and stakeholder roles. Key topics discussed included the objectives of the FFF project, policy and legal frameworks governing forest resources, and strategies for collaborative implementation.

 

The session was officially opened by the MVIWAMORO Project Coordinator, who emphasized the importance of collective participation and strong coordination among stakeholders to ensure the success of the project. One of the major achievements of the meeting was the formation of the FFF Implementation Platform and the selection of a 12-member governing board that will oversee coordination and decision-making during project implementation. The discussions also highlighted the importance of increasing awareness of forest resource policies and promoting economic opportunities in forest-based value chains, particularly for youth and women.