Mwatima Juma is a distinguished agricultural expert, development practitioner, and advocate for sustainable farming and women’s empowerment in Zanzibar. With over two decades of experience in agroecology and rural development, she has been a driving force in promoting organic farming and equipping smallholder farmers with sustainable agricultural techniques to improve their livelihoods and protect the environment.
Mwatima holds advanced qualifications in agriculture and is one of the authors of the book “Sustainable Agriculture in Zanzibar.” She is a champion of integrating traditional knowledge with modern agroecological practices to enhance food security and soil health.
In addition to her work in agriculture, Mwatima plays key roles in several organizations that foster economic and social empowerment. She serves as the Deputy Chair of the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency, where she supports initiatives aimed at creating inclusive economic opportunities for marginalized communities. She is also the Deputy Chair of the Zanzibar Women Chamber of Commerce, advocating for the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and advancing gender equity in business and a member of advisory board of Care International.
Mwatima is a board chair of FAWE (Forum for African Women Educationalists), promoting education and leadership opportunities for women and girls in Africa. Her collaboration with Farm Radio International as a board member leverages radio as a medium to disseminate life-changing agricultural knowledge to rural communities.
As a founding and chair of board of the Practical Permaculture Institute Zanzibar (PPIZ), Mwatima provides strategic leadership, spearheading projects that promote agroforestry, enhance soil health, and empower women farmers.
Her unwavering dedication to fostering resilience in food systems, promoting women’s empowerment, and advancing socio-economic development has made her a key figure in driving sustainable development across East Africa.