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					Mafia Island and its chain of small islets are situated 60 km southeast off the Tanzanian mainland. It is one of 4 Districts of the Coast Region that forms part of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam. As has already been explained, the Coast Region is the poorest in Tanzania with 90% of the people engaged in farming as a livelihood. Whereas 51% of Tanzanians live below the poverty line 75% of the Coast Region’s population live below the poverty line. In the 19th Century many Arabs settled on the Island and engaged in the slave trade and also established coconut plantations with slave labor. The majority of the people on the Island are, therefore, descendants of the former slaves. The population of Mafia District stood at 39,533 according to the 1988 census (the last census). The population of Mafia District was estimated to be 50,000 by the year 1995. In October 1995 Caritas-DSM conducted a Needs Assessment Survey of Mafia District as part of the Development Plan initiatives on the Island. The survey team recommended an integrated approach comprising of Agriculture and Community Based Health Care intervention strategies, Social Services and Fisheries. It was decided to begin the Project with Agriculture and Community Based Health Programs. Argriculture Program: Agriculture is the main economic activity for the vast majority of the Island. The main goal of this program is twofold, i.e., to improve food production and farmers’ income through the introduction of sustainable agriculture and livestock practices, and empowering the local people, especially women, in promoting their own development through sensitization and providing them with various skills. The main components of the training include: Crop production, i.e., food and cash crop production as well as food storage and food processing. Animal production, i.e., dairy cattle production, goats, sheep and poultry production The program covers 9 villages and is targeting 1,400 local farmers as direct beneficiaries. Another 17,500 people are expected to benefit indirectly through learning from the direct target group as well as having access to project facilities. As part of the program strategy Village Health and Agriculture Committees (VHAC) have been formed in order to help in mobilization and communication. The VHAC members are provided with leadership training. The project in Mafia is enjoying a close working relationship with the District Agriculture Office. As a result we have easy access to extension services provided by the office, which is an added advantage to the farmers also.	OFM MIDP
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