Sorghum value chain benefits farmers in eight regions

DODOMA. OVER 200,000 small-scale farmers in eight Tanzanian regions have reaped the rewards of a sorghum, sunflower, and beans value chain project.

According to World Food Programme (WFP) Project Coordinator Willbroad Karugaba, the initiative has transformed livelihoods in Dodoma, Singida, Tabora, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Kigoma, Arusha and Manyara since its inception in 2009.

The project, a collaboration between WFP and the Tanzanian government, aims to enhance food security and increase incomes for rural communities.

Since 2009, WFP has been collaborating with the government to implement agricultural and market programmes aimed at improving food security and income for small-scale farmers.

“From 2022, WFP has expanded its scope to support small-scale farmers who have increased productivity and surplus for the market.

In collaboration with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), they have prepared guidelines to educate farmers on best agricultural practices, including obtaining quality seeds, harvesting methods, and how to help farmers reduce post-harvest losses,” he said.

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Karugaba highlighted that, in collaboration with Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the project has developed guidelines to assist farmers in areas like seed quality, harvesting methods, and reducing post-harvest losses.

Despite increasing crop production, post-harvest losses remain a critical issue, with an estimated 30-40 per cent of crops lost annually.

“Post-harvest losses affect food security and nutrition, farmers’ income, and the national economy as a whole.

The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with various stakeholders, is making efforts to reduce these losses through various strategies and plans, such as the second phase of the Agricultural Sector Development Plan and the National Strategy for Post-Harvest Management,” he said.

He also mentioned that they have been linking sorghum farmers with major buyers such as APEC, Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), and Ally Juma.

“WFP has been opening a window for purchasing crops directly from farmers and also provides opportunities for farmers to be connected with various financial institutions so as they can access capital.

There has been a great response from farmers to cultivate sorghum due to the availability of a reliable market,” he said.

He added that the market for sorghum requires 200,000 tonnes, but currently, only 80,000 tonnes are available, so sorghum production needs to increase to meet market demands.

A farmer from Ibwaga Village in Kongwa District, Ms Elizabeth Lenjima, said the WFP has enabled them to receive training on seed production and controlling aflatoxin.