MTI PESA Project (Money Tree Project)

The MTI PESA (Money Tree Project) is an innovative environmental and livelihood initiative by Tanzania Green Revive (TGR) that demonstrates how ecosystem restoration and economic development can go hand in hand. Built on the principle that trees are valuable natural assets, the project encourages communities to view tree planting not only as a conservation activity but also as a long-term investment that generates environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Across many rural communities in Tanzania, environmental degradation, deforestation, and climate change continue to threaten agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and household incomes. The MTI PESA Project addresses these challenges by promoting sustainable tree-based farming systems that restore degraded landscapes while creating reliable and diversified sources of income for farming families.

The project promotes the cultivation of high-value tree species such as cacao and clove, alongside other suitable indigenous and commercial trees that contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil improvement, and climate resilience. These species provide long-term economic opportunities through the production of valuable agricultural products while enhancing ecosystem health and increasing tree cover across farming landscapes.

To strengthen community capacity, TGR uses its demonstration farms located in different parts of Tanzania as practical learning centers where farmers gain hands-on experience in sustainable land management, agroforestry, nursery establishment, tree management, and climate-smart agricultural practices. These demonstration sites enable participants to observe successful farming models, exchange knowledge, and adopt techniques that can be replicated within their own communities.

Key Project Activities

The MTI PESA Project implements a range of integrated activities that support both environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods, including:

• Distribution of high-quality tree seedlings to farming households and community groups.
• Promotion of tree-based farming systems that improve productivity while restoring degraded landscapes.
• Community mobilization and participation in large-scale tree planting and landscape restoration initiatives.
• Farmer training on agroforestry practices, particularly intercropping trees with food and cash crops to improve soil fertility, increase farm resilience, and maximize land productivity.
• Practical training through TGR demonstration farms on tree establishment, management, and climate-smart agriculture.
• Awareness campaigns highlighting the environmental, ecological, and economic value of sustainable tree planting.
• Support for sustainable livelihood opportunities through environmentally friendly crops that provide long-term income and strengthen household resilience.
• Promotion of biodiversity conservation, soil restoration, carbon sequestration, and climate change adaptation through integrated farming systems.

Project Impact

The MTI PESA Project has distributed more than 500 tree seedlings and provided practical training to over 100 farmers in Mvomero District. As an ongoing initiative, the project continues to expand its reach by empowering communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to adopt sustainable land-use practices that benefit both people and the environment.

By integrating conservation with economic opportunity, the MTI PESA Project is helping communities build resilient livelihoods while restoring ecosystems for future generations. It demonstrates that environmental stewardship can also be a pathway to financial security, making tree planting a lasting investment in healthier landscapes, stronger local economies, and a more sustainable Tanzania.