In the bustling mining areas of Geita, a city in NorthWestern Tanzania known for its gold trade, the land tells a story of struggle and resilience. Small-scale mining, a lifeline for many in this region, has left behind scars—bare plains, polluted waters, and abandoned sites marked by deep craters—each one a reminder of the toll the activity has taken on both the environment and the communities that rely on it.Yet, amid these challenges, women are leading groundbreaking efforts to fight climate change impacts in the region.
At the center of this effort is Women Action on EcoHealth and Legal Rights (WAEHEAL), an organization empowering women and girls in small scale mining to lead climate justice efforts, environmental protection and sustainable development in the mining areas of Rwamgasa and Nyarugusu in Geitaa, Tanzania.
Mining’s Environmental Impact
The magnitude of environmental destruction caused by small-scale mining in Geita is staggering. To dig a single pit, often about 1.5 meters in width and height, miners use over 100 logs to support the hole as they dig deeper in search of gold. This practice necessitates the cutting down of vast numbers of trees, depleting the already fragile forest cover.
In Rwamgasa mining site alone, hundreds of such pits are dug, translating into the loss of thousands of trees. Not to mention the other mining sites in the same area, which further contribute to deforestation, leaving the land barren, contributing to soil erosion, and disrupting the local ecosystem. Without trees to anchor the soil, heavy rains wash it away, causing further degradation. Polluted water sources from mining activities exacerbate the problem, leaving communities with unsafe drinking water and diminishing agricultural productivity.
For women and girls who depend on the land for farming and other livelihood activities, the consequences are severe. With reduced access to fertile land, many are forced to seek alternative income in the mining sector. However, their involvement is limited to collecting scraps, as they are not directly engaged in the actual mining process. This situation perpetuates a cycle of environmental destruction and economic hardship.
A Project Rooted in Solutions
WAEHEAL’s initiative seeks to break the cycle of environmental degradation caused by mining while empowering women to take the lead in driving change.
The project focuses on raising awareness about climate change and its impacts, with a tree-planting campaign serving as a key strategy to combat the escalating challenge of deforestation in the area. Anchored in the slogan, “Linda mazingira yako ili yakulipe” (loosely translated as “Protect your environment so it can reward you,“) the campaign is a direct response to the environmental crisis and strives to restore balance to the land.
As part of this effort, WAEHEAL has trained 30 women as climate change ambassadors through a Training of Trainers (TOT) program. These ambassadors serve as role models in their communities, spreading awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices, and encouraging others to plant trees on their land. They have also trained additional community members on these vital issues.
Working hand in hand with the women small scale miners, the ambassadors are actively leading tree-planting initiatives in post-mining areas of Rwamgasa and Nyarugusu, demonstrating how once-degraded abandoned lands can be rehabilitated and transformed into thriving ecosystems.
In addition to their tree planting activities, the ambassadors are reaching hundreds of women miners, teaching practical skills ranging from tree planting to understanding environmental regulations. This knowledge empowers them to contribute to the cause and become champions of sustainability.
The campaign also emphasises educating community members on sustainable mining practices, such as using modern equipment that reduces the need for extensive tree cutting, helping to minimise the environmental damage and prioritize restoration.
Planting Seeds of Change
The transformation is already visible. Once-abandoned mining sites now show signs of life—saplings stretch toward the sky, and communities are beginning to envision a future where they can benefit from tree planting as an alternative economic activity to the small scale mining.
Women like Helen Samon, a trained climate change ambassador, and a leader of the Geita Women Miners’ Association, now armed with knowledge about climate change and sustainable practices, speaks confidently about the importance of protecting the environment to fellow women while in their communal meetings. Her first tree planting was a revelation, she says.
When I saw the trees grow, I realized we could create something beautiful out of the destruction. I strongly believe we will have a good environment in the coming years.
A Sustainable Future
The journey is far from over, but the women of Geita are proving that change is possible. With each tree planted, they are reclaiming the land and redefining the legacy of mining in their region.
Through the efforts of WAEHEAL and the determination of these women, a new narrative is emerging—one where the environment is a shared resource to be protected and cherished for generations to come.
Although the use of trees in mining operations remains a significant challenge for the project, by creating awareness and providing practical solutions, WAEHEAL is determined to help communities recognize the importance of replanting and preserving the environment.
By addressing climate change and demonstrating that mined lands can be repurposed for community benefit, these women are pioneering a model for environmental recovery and sustainable land use for the future.
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