Private sector investments key in transforming agriculture
Private companies are now at the forefront of increasing the availability of agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, agrochemicals, fertilizers, veterinary services, transportation, and information to rural smallholder farmers across Tanzania.
Tanzania Agribusiness Window (TZAW)– a programme funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and the Swedish International Cooperation Development Agency (Sida) and implemented by the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), surfaced innovative business models best poised to address challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
Such challenges include the availability, acceptability, affordability, and accessibility of agricultural produce and products as well as access to processing infrastructure in both rural and remote areas.
The AECF Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Sabula said the programme has proven the case for investing in start-up and early-stage agribusinesses especially those turning research into innovative products to fill a proven demand.
“We have seen amazing technologies and innovations being introduced in Tanzania such as soil testing, seed quality verification through USSD and innovative insect-derived protein used as feed supplement for livestock among others,” she is quoted as saying in the statement.
TZAW availed funding to agricultural-oriented private sector companies in a wide range of value chains ranging from seed companies, horticulture, fruit and vegetables, potatoes, fertilizer, and cashew nuts.
The programme has impacted over half a million households, introduced innovative technologies, and changed how markets work for the poor.
Furthermore, the programme has proven the case for investing in end markets development by enhancing the ability of firms to process niche products and services for niche markets, extruding maximum benefits from respective value chains such as cashew nuts, macadamia, avocado and vanilla, she said.
“We believe that market-based approaches represent a proven development model and through this TZAW programme we have been able to demonstrate that through a private sector approach it is possible to transform the livelihoods of rural and marginalized people,” said Kemi Williams, Development Director, British High Commission in Tanzania.
A Senior Advisor in the Embassy of Sweden in Tanzania Stephen Mwakifamba said availing agricultural inputs in an efficient and affordable way is transformational for agriculture in Tanzania.
The companies funded by this programme have supported smallholder farmers to access seed, fertilizer, equipment and technology that was previously unavailable or unaffordable.
“This has changed how agriculture is practiced in Tanzania and the benefits that smallholder farmers get,” he said.
TZAW has been transformational for Tanzania and has contributed to efforts to increase the production and productivity of smallholder farmers. This has in turn, increased the availability of food, stabilized prices, and ensured a healthier population.
