Baraka is a 28-year-old young man, a farmer and entrepreneur. He`s a responsible husband and father to his family, doing all the responsibilities and needs of his family as a Bodaboda (Motorbike Driver).  Baraka initially faced several challenges. He spent a lot of time cultivating and selling fruits like Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and transporting them to town, often accompanied by passengers visiting the nearby mountain. Despite working hard, Baraka faced problems with farming techniques that caused low productivity, high transport costs, and reliance on middlemen.

Everything began to change when Baraka became among the beneficiaries of an ecotourism project organized by TEG, the project aimed at enhancing environmental conservation and utilizing local tourist attractions. Baraka's journey from struggle to success shows the profound impact of this initiative.

Before the project, Baraka’s perception of tourist attractions was limited. He said, "Before the project, we had a different perspective on our natural attractions. We never thought that we could benefit from it like we are right now. The project enlightens the importance of conserving the environment and recognizing its potential as a sustainable source of income for our generation and future generations”.

The ecotourism project brought about significant changes in Baraka’s earnings. Previously, his daily income from the Bodaboda business, which included transporting both fruits and passengers, was around 30,000 TZS per day. After the project, Baraka’s income increased to between 50,000 TZS and 70,000 TZS, depending on tourist flow. This boost was a direct result of the increased number of tourists visiting the tourist attractions found in the mountain, a benefit made possible by the project's interventions. Baraka acknowledges the role of the project in this success: “Before the eco-tourism project, our income used to be low; now the project has helped us attract more tourists, which has improved our earnings significantly.”

Sustainability became a key focus for Baraka and his community as they recognized the need to preserve the natural beauty that attracted tourists, and they took proactive steps. They engaged in environmental clean-up initiatives and provided education to those not directly involved in the project.

Baraka says, “I make sure I’m a good ambassador for environmental conservation, as Bodaboda operators, we benefit greatly from the tourist flow, so we must take care of the environment. Improving our living standards depends on it; we have to keep our environment safe and come up with new ideas to attract more tourists based on our cultural attractions. This approach will help us sustain our business and enhance our community’s well-being.”

One of the significant challenges Baraka faced was the poor condition of the roads, which made transportation difficult. However, the project inspired many young community members to volunteer for road improvement initiatives. Baraka highlights the importance of creativity and continuous improvement.

Baraka’s transformation from a struggling farmer and entrepreneur to a thriving business owner and community advocate emphasizes the power of ecotourism and environmental conservation. His story is a shining example of how targeted projects can uplift individuals and entire communities, fostering economic growth and sustainability. As Baraka and his community continue to embrace and protect their natural resources, their journey serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

By investing in our environment and supporting local initiatives, we can all contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future.