Shamba Box Takes Part in Regional Workshop to Promote Peaceful Coexistence in #Tanzania
Shamba Box, an organization dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence among farming and livestock-keeping communities in Tanzania, recently participated in a regional workshop on preventing violent extremism. The workshop, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1–3 May 2023, was hosted by the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE) with support from the Government of Sweden.
The workshop aimed to equip young people and civil society organizations from East and Horn of Africa with knowledge and skills to prevent violent extremism, with a focus on gender-sensitive counter-messaging. Participants learned how to address the root causes of violent extremism by promoting inclusion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. They also gained insights into developing effective communication campaigns that avoid inadvertently reinforcing violent extremism.
Shamba Box Managing Director, Mr. Seth Charles Mkisi, attended the workshop and shared that it broadened his understanding and knowledge of communication skills and strategies, which is crucial to Shamba Box’s efforts. The organization has been trying to engage in various efforts to address the disputes between farming communities and livestock keepers in Tanzania that threaten food security. The Managing Director has already given the directive to the project manager to start reaching out to stakeholders and apply the knowledge and skills gained at the workshop.
The workshop was graced by H.E. Jean Njeri Kamau Kenyan Ambassador to Ethiopia, and the ICEPCVE Director, Dr. Saimon, who both emphasized the importance of collective action for state and non-state actors to ensure a peaceful, developed, and stable region. Ms. Ruth Abraham, Program Manager- Peaceful & Inclusive Societies Sweden in Ethiopia, reiterated the commitment of the Government of Sweden to supporting preventing and countering violent extremism initiatives in Africa.
In Tanzania, land conflicts between farmers and pastoralists have become increasingly prevalent, especially in areas where land and water resources are scarce. The government has been finding it difficult to address these conflicts, which often result in bloody violence. The workshop attended by Shamba Box is a step in the right direction toward preventing violent extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities in Tanzania.
Shamba Box is committed to applying the knowledge and skills gained at the workshop to promote peaceful coexistence among farming communities in Tanzania. The organization hopes to contribute to ongoing efforts to prevent violent extremism in the region and create a harmonious environment where communities can thrive.
In conclusion, the Regional Workshop for Youths and CSOs on Gender Sensitive Counter Messaging to Prevent Violent Extremism was a great success, and Shamba Box is proud to have been a part of it.
The organization believes that collective action and effective communication strategies are crucial to preventing violent extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
