Project summary

So far, Voluntary Education and Relief Initiative for Tanzanian Society (VERITAS) has trained 3,000 livestock farmers and among of them 255 (8.5%) livestock farmers have already switched to plant-based agriculture as means of income and foods, evidence at www.veritas.or.tz. From the current three surveys conducted by VERITAS in the regions of Arusha, Manyara, Shinyanga and Tabora, the results showed that, about 48.4% of farmers engaging in animal farming were ready to transform to plant-based agriculture, though they lacked access to plant-based agriculture trainings. By considering the need of farmers, VERITAS would like to capacitate the livestock farmers through education, sensitization awareness, stakeholders’ engagement, practical part by farming, and market initiatives in four regions where livestock keeping is high. Project target a total of 20,000 livestock farmers.

What are this project's goals and how will you achieve them?

Short and Long Goals.

Overall, the short-term goals and long-term of transitioning livestock farmers to plant-based agriculture focus on sustainability, animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of healthier and more ethical food systems. Specific actions or steps towards achieving the goals through education, sensitization awareness, stakeholders’ engagement, practical part by farming, and market initiatives

How will this funding be used?

Minimum Funding $750

The minimum funding will be used to conduct 2 transition training sessions with 16 District Livestock Officers (DFOs), 56 Livestock Officers, formation of transitional committee groups as well as dissemination upcoming project to other livestock farmers to four surveyed regions of Arusha, Manyara, Shinyanga and Tabora where livestock keeping is also high.

Funding Goal $12,500

The funding goal will be used for:

1. Social Media Transition Awareness Campaigns: VERITAS promoting transition awareness campaigns through own media channels such as YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@veritasorganization, Website: https://veritas.or.tzFacebook: https://facebook.com/veritasorganization,

2. To hold training sessions targeting 20,000 livestock farmers on plant-based agriculture as agribusiness.

2. To implement awareness campaigns targeting 4,500 customers, highlighting the benefits of choosing plant-based meals when dining out.

3. To hold training sessions targeting 2,500 restaurants on vegan culinary skills to 5,000 chefs and kitchen staff, assisting with menu development.

4. Provide ongoing support and guidance to farmers, restaurants and customers throughout the transition process.

Who is on your team and what's your track record on similar projects?

Voluntary Education and Relief Initiative for Tanzanian Society (VERITAS) is a non-profit organization registered in 5th April, 2018 with registration No 00NGO/R/1066 and based in Western Tanzania (head quarter is in Kasulu Town Council at Kiganamo Health Centre.

VERITAS has seven (7) volunteering staff professionally, experts in animal health and production, also experts in general conservation issues. With six (06) years working experience. Additionally, they are activists for vegan life style encouraging the use of plant-based diets while raising awareness for the community to minimize the consumption of animal-based diet as far as animal welfare is concerned.

VERITAS Since it is establishment the year 2018 to date, has managed to implement Vegan advocacy activities with a total amount of $ 250,000.

1. VERITAS has been working with the community of Tanzania and changing the mind from livestock farmers from animal farming as means of income generating activity to plant-based agriculture as means and best source of income generating activity.

2. So far, VERITAS has trained over 3,000 livestock farmers and among of them 255 livestock farmers (8.5%) have been switched to plant-based agriculture. So far, VERITAS has successfully reached a total of 35 schools with a total over 8,000 students and teachers, 45 restaurants on culinary skills, as well as over 20,000 individuals on the way to go vegan.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails? (premortem)

Livestock farming is a significant contributor to anthrax, global greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Transitioning livestock farmers to plant-based agriculture can mitigate these environmental impacts while aligning with the increasing demand for plant-based food products. This project aims to assist livestock farmers in transitioning to sustainable and economically viable plant-based farming practices.

What other funding are you or your project getting?

Through Humane America Animal Foundation grant amounting $13,000, VERITAS was able to conduct various livestock farmers’ transition trainings to 3,000 livestock farmers and among of them 255 (8.5%) have already switched to plant-based agriculture as means of income and foods. But currently we are applying for project scale up to four surveyed regions of Arusha, Manyara, Shinyanga and Tabora where livestock keeping is also high.