MBEYA, June 9 -- IN VILLAGES scattered across the Great Ruaha and Lake Rukwa basins, the signs of change are becoming increasingly visible. Once-degraded forests are gradually recovering. Rivers and watersheds that had deteriorated under pressure from human activities are regaining their ecological function.

Farmlands that were once exhausted, farmers are now adopting climate-smart agricultural practices that are restoring productivity while reducing negative environmental impacts. And in communities long burdened by poverty and resource scarcity, new livelihood opportunities are emerging many of them led by women and young people.

On farmland that was once exhausted, farmers are now adopting climate-smart agricultural practices that ar...