On a bright Saturday morning in Engaruka, Tanzania, the usual hum of daily life gives way to a remarkable sight. Community members—women, men, children, and shopkeepers—are out on the streets, armed with brooms and dustpans, determined to make a difference. Before opening their shops, they work together to sweep and tidy the streets. This weekly custom is about more than just keeping the area clean—it’s a powerful symbol of transformation, led by Engaruka Community Initiative Organisation (ENCO) through the “Women at the Centre of Climate Justice” project.
Engaruka, a small but rapidly growing town in Monduli District in Tanzania, was once burdened by poor waste management.
Home to many indigenous Maasai communities and situated along a busy bypass connecting t0 Ngorongoro and Lake Natron National parks, the town has faced escalating health and environmental challenges due to improper waste disposal that posed severe health risks to its residents. Heaps of rubbish dotted the town, creating an environment conducive to diseases and diminishing the community’s quality of life.
Recognizing the urgent need for change, ENCO, through her EmpowerHerClimate: Women Leading Resilience project , is transforming the town through community-driven initiatives that promote environmental conservation, establish sustainable waste management systems, and foster a shared sense of responsibility among its residents.
A Movement For Change
Through community engagement workshops with key stakeholders—including local government leaders, village executives, community policemen, women’s group representatives, and entrepreneurs—ENCO has established a strong foundation for collective action and effective solutions to tackle the town’s urgent environmental challenge of improper waste disposal.
One of the most significant outcomes of the workshops was the establishment of Engaruka’s first-ever Environmental Committee, composed of 14 members representing all sectors of the community.
The committe tasked with overseeing watse management and conservation efforts, works alongside ENCO to lead monthly cleaning sessions in the town on the last Sarturday of each Month. During these sessions, residents—women, men, children, and shopkeepers—come together to sweep and tidy the streets before starting their day.
This initiative has evolved into a culture of collective responsibility, where even the youngest members of the community understand the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
Before the formation of an environmental committee, Engaruka lacked a management that can help conserve the environment. The streets were littered with waste everywhere and there was no structured system of proper waste disposal causing alarm to both health and environmental concerns.- explained Paul Olar, Programme Manager at ENCO.
To support these efforts, ENCO with support from The Women’s International Peace Centre, Global Fund for Women and USAID has provided waste bins throughout the town, addressing the long-standing issue of inadequate waste disposal infrastructure. Previously, littering was common due to the lack of accessible solutions, but now strategically placed bins serve as a practical tool and a visible reminder of the community’s shared commitment to cleanliness.
Moreover, Posters with messages encouraging proper waste management have been placed at key locations around the town for greater visbility and accessibility.
Accountability in Action
Recognizing the need for enforcement, the environmental committee also enforces adherence to newly established by-laws on environmental conservation and waste management, including penalties for non-compliance, to promote accountability.
They have implemented fines for improper waste disposal. This measure, though strict, has been widely accepted as a necessary step to preserve the progress made. Residents who once carelessly discarded waste now think twice, knowing that their actions carry consequences.
A Town Renewed
Walking through Engaruka today, the difference is striking. Streets once overwhelmed by litter now gleam with cleanliness. Residents speak with pride about their town’s transformation, and the health risks that once loomed over them have been significantly reduced.
Because the streets are clean, iam now able to sell my food without worry of sicknesses.- One of the market women said
For ENCO, this is a testament to the power of grassroots mobilization and the importance of collective action. By equipping the community with the tools, knowledge, and accountability structures needed to tackle waste, they have not only cleaned up a town but also instilled a renewed sense of ownership and pride among its people.
Engaruka’s revival is an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite to overcome challenges. As the town continues its journey from waste to wellness, it stands as a model for sustainable environmental stewardship.
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