how can i improve on this?

Along with the previous poster's suggestions, also don't over mix the bread. Over mixing will cause bread to come out tough. Mix the wet ingredients separate and do the same with the dry. Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until it's moist but not over mixed. Also you really need to add more carrots to the mixture...I use at least 3/4 to 1 cup of carrots and they are grated not just shredded. Actually I run them through the juicer and then get the juice and the pulp and mix it into the wet ingredients. Also, if you measure your flour then when you measure your other dry ingredients like the baking soda and baking powder and salt, sift them together so that it is distributed evenly through your bread, which will help the texture, tenderness and flavor of your bread. Also, lower your oven temperature a bit, like about 25 to 50 degrees. If the heat is too high the bread bakes too fast and it will dry out and become tough. I should make some carrot bread, I do enjoy it during the winter with my tea and sitting in front of the fire place.

I can think of a couple of culprits 1. Watch the heat, don't overbake 2. Add in bicarbonated soda and baking powder helps to fluff up the mixture 3. Try using vegetable oil instead of melted butter for less density There are a couple of suggestions on the Net that suggest adding crushed pineapple or apple sauce to raise the moisture level. You can give it a shot if you are up to it.