Hon. Tone Tinnes Impressed by the Department of Model Training Farm’s Contribution to Students and Community

On April 22, 2024, Her Excellency Tone Tinnes, the Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy to Tanzania, paid a special visit to the Aquaculture, Dairy, and Pasture units within the Department of Model Training Farm (DMTF).

During her visit, Hon. Tone Tinnes expressed her satisfaction with the practical skills imparted to students in Sustainable Fish Farming, Pasture Establishment, and Management. She commended the department’s efforts in preparing students to become self-employed entrepreneurs or effective Extension Officers capable of providing crucial advisory support to farmers.

Of particular note was the DMTF’s role as a vital training hub for farmers and community members seeking to learn about commercial fish farming and pasture establishment as adaptive measures against the adverse impacts of climate change. Beyond education, the department facilitates access to high-quality pasture seeds and fish fingerlings (including Nile tilapia and Catfish) for local farmers.

In response to the challenges posed by climate change, Hon. Tone Tinnes observed the established drought-resistant pasture varieties such as Juncao, Chloris gayana, and Cenchrus ciliaris, alongside other improved pastures like Bracharia brizantha and Pennisetum purpureum, which farmers are increasingly adopting.

The ambassador also observed Norwegian milk goats, known for their resilience and adaptability to climate change effects and usefulness to local farmers in the region.

In the context of fish farming, Her Excellency learned about innovative solutions such as Azolla, a natural and cost-effective fish feed that helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and the utilization of Black Soldier Flies produced from vegetable waste.

This visit marked the tangible impact of the DMTF, showcasing its pivotal role in equipping both students and the broader community with essential skills and resources to address pressing challenges in agriculture and aquaculture.

As Hon. Tone Tinnes departed, her words of encouragement echoed the shared commitment to sustainable development and knowledge exchange between Norway and Tanzania.

For inquiries, please contact:

Section Manager: 

Name: Stella Genge

Email: stella.genge@sua.ac.tz

Mobile phone: +255-712-413-590

 

Field Technician:

Name: Buharata Salum

Email: buharata.salum@sua.ac.tz

Mobile phone: +255-747-612-361

 

For official communication, please contact: 

Head of Department, Model Training Farm,

Sokoine University of Agriculture,

P.O. Box 3001, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro,

Mobile phone: +255753937587

Email: newtonk78@sua.ac.tz  

CC: dmtf@sua.ac.tz