It’s not an easy feat to enter a new community and earn the respect of its people enough to lead, but that is exactly what Bi. Eshe, a Dar es Salaam native who married into the village of Uzi in Zanzibar, has achieved.
Since arriving in Uzi, she has lived a simple yet hardworking life, working together with her husband, Mzee Muhammed, to cultivate their land—something she says she was taught by her parents and grew to love.
Thus, it was no surprise that when ZanzAdapt project officers arrived in Uzi in 2024 to mobilize farmers into climate-smart agroforestry, Bi. Eshe was among the first to register. In fact, it was her husband who brought the news home and encouraged her to sign up. Farming was something she enjoyed, and with her experience, he knew she would do well.
He was right.
From Outsider to Authority: How Bi. Eshe Became a Trusted Agroforestry Leader in Uzi
During agroforestry training, project officers quickly noticed Bi. Eshe’s exceptional work ethic, curiosity, and commitment to learning. It soon became clear that she was not only absorbing knowledge, but also capable of passing it on. As a result she was selected as a Trainer of Trainers (ToT), a role she considers both an honour and a responsibility.
“This was my first leadership role,” she says. “I was nervous, but also grateful that the project trusted me.”
As a ToT, Bi. Eshe facilitates Farmer Field Schools on her farm, trains fellow farmers on agroforestry practices, conducts routine farm inspections, registers new participants, and helps identify and address challenges in the field. But her influence extends far beyond her official duties.
From Outsider to Authority: How Bi. Eshe Became a Trusted Agroforestry Leader in Uzi
Over time, Bi. Eshe has become a trusted authority in Uzi when it comes to agroforestry. Farmers frequently turn to her for advice, guidance, and validation, often before approaching ZanzAdapt field officers. Her word carries weight; her “seal of approval” reassures farmers that they are on the right track.
Her leadership is so dependable that she is often seen as an extension of the project team itself.
“If I’m not there for even a day, the project officers have a hard time,” she recalls, laughing.
She recalls a period she had travelled to Dar es salaam and her phone was lit up with calls from project staff needing her help. Her sense of duty got the best of her and she picked up her phone and handled her responsibilities remotely.
“Whether I’m here or not, I make sure I still deliver.” she says.
Her commitment has made her invaluable not only to the community, but also to the ZanzAdapt team.
From Outsider to Authority: How Bi. Eshe Became a Trusted Agroforestry Leader in Uzi
Despite not being a Zanzibar native, Bi. Eshe has fully embraced Uzi as her home. Understanding how difficult it can be for women to integrate into new communities, she intentionally supports and uplifts others.
She mentored Bi. Rukia, recognizing her potential and encouraging her to step forward. Today, Bi. Rukia is also a Trainer of Trainers, this time in mangrove conservation, and is excelling in her role.
“If women don’t support women, we won’t accomplish things,” Bi. Eshe says simply.
She doesn’t limit her support to project farmers alone. Using her influence, she actively advocates for other deserving farmers to receive assistance, training, or opportunities, strengthening the wider community.
From Outsider to Authority: How Bi. Eshe Became a Trusted Agroforestry Leader in Uzi
Bi. Eshe’s ability to lead without compromising her family life is rooted in strong cooperation at home. She and her husband—who is also a ZanzAdapt ToT focusing on mangrove conservation—share responsibilities in both household and field work. Together, they are raising seven children: four daughters and three sons.
Their partnership is a powerful example of how male and female cooperation enables women’s leadership and progress.
“There are more than 50 ToTs,” she says, “but when something happens, I’m often the one they call because they know I give my 100 percent. For that, I’m grateful.”
From an outsider to a respected authority, her journey shows that with trust, knowledge, and community support, leadership can grow anywhere—and transform everyone along the way.
Today, Bi. Eshe speaks of her role with pride and fulfillment.
“I feel great joy. I feel important”.
