NBC launches 4th season of cashew farming boost in Mtwara

This year’s campaign focuses on farmers in Tandahimba and Newala by offering, especially customized financial solutions and incentives to increase productivity and prosperity.

Making the revelation during the launch in Tandahimba over the weekend, the District Administrative Secretary (DAS) Mr Francis Mkuti, who represented the area District Commissioner Col Michael Mntenjele said the contribution of the bank is an initiative for empowering rural farmers, especially to raise their livelihoods, calling the campaign a game-changer for the local cashew economy.

He added: “It’s encouraging that farmers can now access loans for tractors, modern tools, farm inputs, and pre-harvest financing from the bank.

He also urged for agricultural and health insurance integration, calling them essential to protecting both families and farms from climate-related risks.

In attendance led by the bank’s Chief Financial Officer Mr Rayson Foya noted that the campaign aligns with the national 2010–2030 agenda to double agricultural output by 2030.

“We’re going beyond financing,” said Foya. “We offer zero-fee accounts, loans for individual farmers, and credit for Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) and Unions to buy essential inputs. This is how we drive long-term growth in a sector employing over 65 per cent of Tanzanians.”

On his part, NBC’s Raymond Urassa (Head of MSME and Agriculture Banking) and David Raymond (Head of Marketing) explained how farmers and cooperative societies can participate by using NBC Shambani accounts.

Rewards include pesticide sprayers, bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles, and for the top-performing cooperative as a brand-new tractor, expected to greatly boost productivity.

Speaking on behalf of the farming community, Mr Karimu Haji Swalehe and Ms Sharifa Mohammed Nahunda expressed appreciation for NBC’s investment.

They emphasized the campaign’s impact on financial literacy, savings culture, and insurance access key elements for sustainable rural development.