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East Africa Regional Resources

About the Impact Center

This center was developed to provide ECHO services to help those in East Africa who work with the poor more effectively, especially in  ​​agriculture and alternative methods. ECHO East Africa is a basic training center providing technical assistance to help organizations and community development workers work more effectively to reduce hunger.

 

Services

  • Conduct research and development on locally appropriate sustainable agriculture practices
  • Collaborate with, and provide networking opportunities for, development agencies working in East Africa
  • Provide garden displays and demonstrations of agricultural options
  • Provide agricultural resources for study
  • Demonstrate alternative training methods, including creative collaboration and exhibitions
  • The ECHO seed bank provides packaged seeds, as well as seed exchange opportunities and seed conservation education
  • Training for home gardens (organic gardens, kitchen gardens, gardens, bags and manufacture of peat)
  • Training and visits to fruit tree nurseries
  • Organization of conferences, workshops, forums, exchange visits, and training in best practices
  • Network between farmers and other development partners
  • Conduct agricultural fairs

 

 

Contact:

Charei Munene

ECHO East Africa Impact Center
P O Box 15205
Arusha Tanzania

eastafrica@echocommunity.org

 

East Africa Updates

ECHO East Africa Update: Lablab (Ngwara) 2025-02-04

During the Ngwara field day, Mr. Emmanuel Kasembe, Iles de Paix Tanzania Technical Advisor, and Bonny, ECHO East Africa Technical Advisor, facilitated an open discussion on Ngwara-related topics. The discussion covered various aspects, including planting techniques, uses, markets, and more. Visitors had the opportunity to test the seed coat removal machine designed by Engineer Naomi from Agriculture Seed Agency. The prototype underwent testing using Ngwara seeds. The removal of seed coats reduces cooking time of the seeds. Other experienced Ngwara cooks who visited the ECHO table during the day suggested avoiding the removal of seed coats before cooking, as it results in the loss of certain nutrients found in the seed coats. As part of the day's activities, ECHO interns served Ngwara beans and cooked Ngwara leaves to the event participants.

Learn more about Lablab

ECHOcommunity Updates [ Read all ]
Best Practice Note 9: Livestock Projects Now Available!
Member Highlight: Mama Shujaa's Journey with ECHO East Africa

About East Africa

Food insecurity has increased significantly in East Africa due to the rapid increase in population, with an increase of 150% by 2050. Over 40% of children in East Africa are malnourished. The largest number of these children are orphaned and living in difficult circumstances. Most of the rural population lives in poverty, relying on a subsistence lifestyle. Some of the reasons for this situation include:

  • A High rate of loss of yield
  • Underdeveloped, weak markets, farmers lack the infrastructure to improve thier value chains
  • Minority farmers and herdsmen in the region, don't have adequate access to agricultural services, continuing education or access to formal training
  • Increased pressure forcing families to cultivate a little land, which results in land degradation and loss of sustainability in food production
  • Drought, especially in arid pastoralist areas.
  • Deforestation
  • Flooding
  • Climate

Where we are located

If you are driving North from Arusha, it is 15 km north of the city along A104 (the main road). After you see Mount Meru University on the right, the office will be another half km north and on the right-hand side of the road.
If you are driving South from Nairobi, it is 96 km south of the Namanga border crossing along A104 (the main road). As you see Mount Meru getting closer, pay attention and look for the Habari Maalum Station which will be on the left-hand side of the road.
 
If you come via public transportation, ride the bus (dala dala) from Arusha to Ngaramtoni; then take another bus from Ngaramtoni to the Habari Maalum Radio Station. Guards and staff will be happy to give you directions to the front door of the ECHO office.

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