Organic farming opens vacancies for local entrepreneurs

DAR ES SALAAM: SUSTAINABLE Agricultural Tanzania (SAT), in partnership with the nongovernmental organisation I Am Organic and funded by Bio-Vision, recently organised a one-day open market in Dar es Salaam to promote organic agricultural products (OVCD) and strengthen the value chain.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to empower small-scale farmers, traders and entrepreneurs in Tanzania, ensuring that organic products reach both domestic and international markets.

The project, now in its fourth year, is supported by Bio-Vision and the Swiss International Agency with a funding of approximately 1.2bn/-. Its goal is to educate farmers and traders on organic farming techniques, emphasising methods that exclude toxic fertilisers and chemicals.

Through training, awareness campaigns and practical demonstrations, the project fosters an understanding of the environmental, health and economic benefits of organic agriculture.

At the launch of the open market, also referred to as the Swahili Festival Market, SAT’s Chief Executive Officer, Janeth Maro, emphasised that the initiative aims to empower mid-level and smallscale traders by enhancing their knowledge of organic products and their value in the market.

“We are creating opportunities for organic crop farmers to access markets both inside and outside Tanzania,” she said, “while educating the public on environmentally friendly farming practices that protect human health.” Ms Maro highlighted the significance of organic farming for Tanzanians.

Unlike conventional methods that rely on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, organic farming uses natural techniques that are safer for both consumers and the environment. This approach not only reduces health risks but also promotes ecological sustainability by preserving soil fertility, water quality and biodiversity.

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The current initiative marks the third phase of SAT’s project to promote organic agriculture. Its main objectives include enhancing production quality, packaging and processing of organic products, as well as establishing small-scale industries to add value to these products.

By connecting farmers and traders with potential buyers, the project aims to strengthen the entire value chain, increase incomes and generate employment opportunities in rural areas.

To date, the programme has reached approximately 50 entrepreneurs and midlevel traders from regions including Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, Njombe, Lindi, Iringa, Arusha and Kagera. These participants have received training on organic farming methods, market access and product promotion.

By equipping them with knowledge and skills, the project seeks to shift the benefits of organic agriculture to Tanzanians rather than exporting profits to foreign stakeholders. Ms Maro pointed out that organic farming has already contributed to the establishment of small industries that process products such as coffee, cotton and vegetables.

These industries not only enhance the country’s economic resilience but also help address unemployment by creating jobs along the production and processing chain. Through this value addition, Tanzanian farmers can retain a larger share of profits from their produce while meeting local and international market standards.

She stressed that the open market provides a platform for farmers and traders to better understand how to scale up production, improve packaging and maintain quality.

“One of the benefits of organic farming is that it improves the health of Tanzanians while protecting the rural environment. It also provides highly nutritious products that can prevent diseases and enhance overall wellbeing,” she said.

The initiative also seeks to address challenges faced by small-scale farmers, including limited access to markets, inadequate resources and insufficient knowledge about organic certification.

“Relevant institutions must work to resolve these barriers to enable farmers to increase production, earn higher incomes, and engage effectively in the organic farming sector,” Ms Maro emphasised.

By tackling these obstacles, the programme ensures that organic farming becomes a sustainable and economically viable option for Tanzanians. Farida Faith Nassoro, representing I Am Organic, noted that the open market is a critical opportunity for farmers, entrepreneurs, traders and consumers to engage with organic products.

“This is the first time such a market is held in Osterbay, providing a platform for learning about organic farming and exploring business opportunities that strengthen the value chain,” she said.

Ms Nassoro further emphasised that organic farming is not only a business opportunity but also a public health intervention. By producing chemical-free crops, organic farming can reduce the incidence of heart disease, skin conditions and other health issues associated with pesticide and fertiliser exposure.

It also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing soil degradation, water pollution and chemical runoff.

The open market featured a wide variety of organic products, including vegetables, fruits, coffee, grains and processed goods. Farmers and traders had the opportunity to showcase their products, interact with potential buyers, and gain exposure to best practices in production, packaging and marketing.

The event also served as a platform to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration within the organic sector. Ms Maro stressed that the ultimate goal of the project is to create a robust organic agriculture ecosystem in Tanzania.

This involves not only educating farmers and traders but also establishing smallscale industries that can process, package and export organic products in compliance with regional and international standards.

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By building capacity along the entire value chain, the programme seeks to create a self-sustaining sector that delivers economic, social and environmental benefits. The initiative also emphasises the importance of youth and women participation. By targeting mid-level and small-scale traders, the project ensures that marginalised groups have access to training, markets and business opportunities.

This inclusive approach is expected to enhance economic empowerment, particularly in rural areas, while promoting gender equality in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Over the past years, SAT and its partners have successfully raised awareness about the environmental, health and economic advantages of organic farming. By combining training, market access and value chain development, the project demonstrates that sustainable agriculture can be both profitable and socially beneficial.

Through the open market and related interventions, the programme highlights the importance of connecting farmers directly to markets. By reducing intermediaries, farmers can retain a larger portion of profits, reinvest in their farms and improve livelihoods.

At the same time, consumers gain access to safe, high-quality and environmentally friendly products that contribute to better health outcomes.

Ms Maro concluded by encouraging Tanzanians to embrace organic farming as a long-term strategy for improving health, protecting the environment and boosting the economy.

“Organic farming is the right way to improve health, protect the environment and provide nutritious food for our people,” she said.

In summary, the collaboration between Sustainable Agricultural Tanzania, I Am Organic and Bio-Vision demonstrates how strategic investment in organic agriculture can drive sustainable development. By promoting production, processing, marketing and value addition, the initiative strengthens the organic farming sector, creates economic opportunities and enhances public health.

The open market in Dar es Salaam is a model for similar initiatives nationwide, providing a pathway for farmers, traders and entrepreneurs to thrive while contributing to a healthier and more sustainable Tanzania.

With continued support from government, NGOs and private investors, organic agriculture in Tanzania is poised to grow as a competitive and sustainable sector, ensuring that the benefits of chemical-free farming reach communities, strengthen rural economies and meet the demand for safe, high-quality food both locally and internationally.

The project demonstrates that environmental stewardship, economic empowerment and public health can be achieved simultaneously through a concerted effort to promote organic farming practices and products across the country.