Tamcode Official

21/04/2026

Curtain Raiser | April 2026

The Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE), with support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) BRIDGE Women Leadership Grants, will host a multi-stakeholder dialogue on 22 April 2026 in Songea to promote inclusive water governance in the Ruvuma Basin.

The dialogue will bring together government, civil society, media, and local communities to discuss key issues including water resource management, gender equality, women’s participation, technology use, financial literacy, and climate-resilient practices.

💧 What to expect:

▶️Stronger participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in water governance

▶️Improved collaboration between communities, water authorities, and local government

▶️Reduced water conflicts through dialogue and cooperation

▶️Adoption of climate-smart practices in agriculture, fisheries, and domestic water use

▶️A joint action plan and shared roadmap for sustainable water management

This event is part of the “Voices for Water” project (2026), aimed at strengthening inclusive and gender-responsive water governance across the Ruvuma, Ruhuhu, Luwegu, and Mbinga sub-basins.

Key partners include Tanzania Media for Community Development, the Ruvuma Southern and Coastal Water Basin Board, and local government authorities in Ruvuma Region.

The initiative emphasizes that inclusive water governance is essential for sustainable livelihoods, reduced conflicts, and ecosystem protection.

📍 Stay tuned for updates and outcomes from Songea!

21/04/2026

Population Growth Threatens Mbinga’s Natural Wealth, Leaders Call for Urgent Action

Leaders in Mbinga District have raised concern over increasing pressure on natural resources as the population continues to grow without a corresponding expansion in land and environmental capacity.

Speaking during a stakeholder workshop organized by Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality and Tanzania Media for Community Development, the District Commissioner, Kisare Makori, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding the environment for future generations.

“Mbinga’s geographical area has never increased, yet our population continues to grow. We must create an environment capable of sustaining future generations,” he noted.
According to the 2022 national census, Mbinga’s population has reached approximately 400,000 — a 20% increase over the past decade — intensifying pressure on forests, water sources, and agricultural land.

Traditional leader Joan Ngapomba also warned against harmful practices such as deforestation and unsustainable hillside farming, calling for increased awareness on climate change risks.
The workshop, supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, brought together diverse stakeholders and resulted in the formation of community committees focused on water management and environmental conservation.

As one of Tanzania’s top food-producing districts, Mbinga stands at a crossroads: protect its natural resources now or risk losing the very foundation of its prosperity.

21/04/2026

Mbinga Communities Take Charge: New Committees Formed to Protect Ruvuma Basin

Communities in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, are stepping up efforts to safeguard their environment and water resources through the formation of special committees dedicated to conservation along the Ruvuma River Basin.

The committees were established following a workshop organized by Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality in collaboration with Tanzania Media for Community Development, with support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature under the BRIDGE Women Leadership Grants.

As part of the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities in the Ruvuma Basin – Voices for Water Project, participants — particularly women and youth — were equipped with skills in financial literacy, technology, and environmental protection.

By the end of the workshop, two community-led committees were formed: 💧 A Water Management Committee
🌱 An Environmental Conservation Committee
These groups are expected to lead local action in protecting water sources and restoring ecosystems along the Ruvuma River.

With strong representation from traditional leaders, government officials, civil society, and media practitioners, the initiative reflects a growing movement toward inclusive and community-driven environmental governance.

Mbinga may be known as Mbinguni (Heaven), but these efforts show that protecting that “heaven” requires action — and the community is ready.

17/04/2026

17/04/2026

💧 Voices for Water: Women & Youth Leading Change in Mbinga

Stakeholders in Mbinga District have been urged to take collective action in protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable water resource management as population pressures continue to grow.

Speaking during a women and youth empowerment workshop, District Commissioner Hon. Kisare Makori emphasized the need for joint efforts to address climate challenges and safeguard natural resources for future generations.

The workshop, organized by Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE), highlighted the critical role of water, with contributions from basin authorities stressing the importance of protecting the Ruvuma River. Participants were encouraged to become champions of environmental conservation in their communities.

Bringing together women and youth leaders, water governance actors, media practitioners, and local authorities, the session promoted inclusive and gender-responsive approaches to water management.

This initiative is part of the “Voices for Water” project, implemented by YOGE with support from IUCN’s BRIDGE Women Leadership Grants, in partnership with Tanzania Media for Community Development.

17/04/2026

Curtain Raiser Press Statement – April 2026

YOGE Brings Women & Youth Leaders Together for Inclusive Water Governance in Mbinga, Tanzania

The Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE), with support from IUCNs BRIDGE Women Leadership Grants, will host an empowerment workshop for women and youth leaders in Water Resource Management on April 17, 2026, in Mbinga, Ruvuma Region.

The workshop will bring together women and youth leaders, representatives from Water User Associations, sub-catchment committees, Office of the Regional Commissioner of Ruvuma, Local government authorities, water resource management authorities, civil society organizations, Local Community based organizations, media practitioners, and other key stakeholders in water resource management.

During the workshop, participants will be equipped with knowledge and practical skills in inclusive water resource management, gender equality, women’s participation in water governance, use of technology, financial literacy, and environmental strategy, while also advancing women’s participation in water governance.

This activity forms part of the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities in Ruvuma Basin “Voices for Water” project launched in early 2026.

The project aims to strengthen inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive water governance across the Ruvuma Basin by empowering women and youth to actively participate in decision-making processes at both community and basin levels.

The initiative is expected to benefit communities across the Ruvuma, Ruhuhu, Luwegu, and Mbinga sub-basins by improving water access, strengthening governance systems, and enhancing ecosystem protection.

It further promotes collaboration among government institutions, water management authorities, civil society organizations, media, and local communities to ensure coordinated and sustainable water resource management.
Through training, advocacy, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and media engagement, the project seeks to build climate resilience, reduce water-related conflicts, and support sustainable livelihoods. It underscores that inclusive water governance is essential for preventing resource degradation, reducing inequalities, and fostering peace and cooperation within the basin.

Partners in the project apart from YOGE and IUCN Bridge include the Tanzania Media for Community Development, Office of the Regional Commissioner of Ruvuma, Mbinga Town Council, and Songea Municipal Council in the Ruvuma Region, Tanzania.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)s Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE) Women Leadership Grants support women-led and women-focused initiatives that strengthen leadership in freshwater governance and ecosystem restoration. The grants enhance the capacity of women and their organizations to lead actions that benefit shared basins and promote resilient freshwater ecosystems. For more information, please visit: BRIDGE Programme Grants – The IUCN Water Knowledge Platform.

ENDS

28/03/2026

Arusha, known as the “Geneva of Africa,” will host the World Press Freedom Day 2026 celebrations from 28–30 April in Tanzania, bringing together around 600 media stakeholders from across sectors. Held under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” the event will focus on strengthening media viability, sustainability, and labour rights.

Marking the 33rd commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, the gathering will feature the country’s first Media Innovation Forum, a platform designed to move beyond dialogue toward practical solutions, partnerships, and investment in the media sector. The Forum builds on the legacy of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration and the United Nations’ recognition of May 3 as a day to celebrate and defend press freedom.

Chaired by the Tech and Media Convergence (TMC), the organizing committee, with participation from the Tanzania Media for Community Development, the Forum will explore the future of journalism in a rapidly evolving digital landscape shaped by AI and new technologies. It aims to promote innovation, strengthen journalist safety, develop sustainable business models, and foster collaboration between media, technology, and development sectors.

Through high-level discussions, practical learning, and strategic networking, the event seeks to drive meaningful action and position media as a key player in Tanzania’s digital economy and democratic development

24/02/2026

TAMCODE was honored to engage in high-level discussions with the Regional Administrative Secretary of Ruvuma Region, Hon. Advocate Mary Makondo, the Mbinga District Administrative Secretary Hon. Pendo Daniel, Acting Mbinga District Executive Director Mr. Emmanuel Ndunguru, and representatives from civil society organizations in Mbinga District.

The strong endorsement and constructive dialogue surrounding the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities in the Ruvuma Basin – “Voices for Water” initiative demonstrate a shared commitment to sustainable resource management, accountable governance, and community resilience.

Implemented by Youth Environmental Justice & Gender Equality (YOGE) and Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE), with generous support from International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the project is poised to directly benefit over 20,000 people through:

• Improved and equitable access to freshwater resources
• Strengthened local water governance systems
• Protection and restoration of critical freshwater ecosystems

The positive reception from regional and district leadership reflects strong political will and alignment with national and global sustainability priorities. We are deeply grateful for the hospitality, collaboration, and commitment demonstrated by the authorities and stakeholders across Ruvuma.

21/02/2026

🌊 Voices for Water Launched in Ruvuma Region!

This week marks the official launch of the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities Project — widely known as Voices for Water — in Mbinga and Songea districts, Ruvuma Region.

TAMCODE is proud to be a partner in this transformative initiative implemented by YOGE with the generous support of IUCN through the BRIDGE Women Program.

The project aims to strengthen inclusive and sustainable water governance at the community level by:

✅ Empowering women and marginalized groups to actively participate in water management decisions
✅ Promoting climate-resilient practices to safeguard freshwater resources
✅ Supporting peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms around water use

The Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Ahmed Abbas, emphasized the urgency of protecting water resources, noting that preventive action is essential as Tanzania advances toward the National Water Grid.

At TAMCODE, we believe water governance must be participatory, equitable, and forward-looking. By investing in inclusive leadership and community resilience today, we are securing sustainable access to water for future generations.

🤝 Partners: YOGE | IUCN (BRIDGE Women Program) | Ruvuma & Southern Coast Water Board

16/11/2024

13/11/2024

Day two of training in Sumbawanga, trainees participated in a field practicum on intangible cultural heritage, aimed at fostering employment opportunities for youth and women.

11/11/2024

Day one of training with community radio journalists and digital platform creators in Sumbawanga, focused on promoting intangible cultural heritage.