Mines are massive economic drivers for the regions in which they operate, providing thousands of jobs to local communities. At the same time, mining is a consumptive industry and mines are only in operation for a limited time.
We aim to leave a legacy of long-term and sustainable community development and a key part of our approach is working to ensure our mines are not the only economic pillars in the communities we operate in. We do this by supporting and developing local entrepreneurs as a way to develop new industries, as well as by strengthening or modernizing existing ones, such as agriculture. Our pioneering Twiga partnership with the Government of Tanzania is a critical force in driving community initiatives in the communities around North Mara.
The land around North Mara is rich and fertile and ripe for cultivation, and agriculture is a vital component of livelihood for the community; however, operations are mostly small and hard to maintain. In September 2022, we started the Matongo Agricultural Project, a program aimed at showcasing the agricultural potential of North Mara to local youth and providing them with additional work and livelihood opportunities.
The project has been a tremendous success so far with nearly 100 young individuals representing 11 villages eagerly engaged, empowered to work and committed to the social mission. Group leaders from the community have commented on how many youths have embraced the project which has helped them cover the daily needs for themselves and their families in a sustainable manner.
Ultimately, the project provides training and job opportunities to young people, including former mine intruders, to learn advanced agronomy skills and methods to maximize production and bring high-quality, seasonal produce to market, including the mine and its food suppliers. To do this Barrick identified and provided 10 acres of land for cultivation, as well as pesticides, seedlings and irrigation equipment. Most importantly we have brought in expert agronomists, such as Elard Tarimo from the Tanzanian Horticultural Association (TAHA), to provide training and expert advice.
North Mara Community Relations Manager, Francis Uhadi said:
“All the farmers you see at the Matongo Agriculture Project are from the surrounding 11 local villages. The North Mara Gold Mine will not be here forever and through this project we are providing many young people the opportunity to learn other sustainable sources for economic development.”
The site was visited by Andrew Mgaya, the Director of Mineral Audit and Trade Department, who is part of the Tanzanian Mining Commission. During the site visit Mr. Mgaya said, “We have witnessed several projects that are impactful to the communities in the area. We commend the gold mine for this initiative and we are asking them to collaborate with the beneficiaries to ensure that the projects remain sustainable.”
Mwita Waitara, Tarime Rural legislator, has remarked that projects such as vegetable farming for youth employment at Matongo, are benefiting economic development, creating new skills and employment opportunities and fostering stronger relations in the community.
During a recent visit to the Mines by directors from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), D Mwiga Mbesi, Director of Youth Development, noted the success of the Matongo Agriculture Project and shared how “initiating farming projects for youth is highly commendable and provides youth with self-employment thus boosting their incomes. [Barrick] has done great things in the community, including this plan to build the capacity of young people to be self-employed through agriculture and for [NMGML] to be part of the market for the products they produce.”
Matongo Agricultural Project Key Highlights:
- 100 youths in local community
- Wide range of fresh vegetables harvested weekly
- Farmers connected to markets, including hotels near the city of Mwanza and networking platforms such as the famous Nane Nane
- Introduced to our mine caterers AKO to establish a supply agreement for the mine’s canteens; 40% of vegetables and spices from the project are sold to the mine and 60% are sold in open markets outside the mine
- Youths are gaining critical skills that are helping expand their own farms at home
- Opportunities to diversify the project into other areas such as poultry and fish farming