TADB reaffirms support to CHAURU rice farmers

DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) is revolutionizing the lives of rice farmers at the Ruvu Irrigation Farmers’ Cooperative (CHAURU) through affordable loans, professional training, and access to essential farming inputs, boosting both production and income.

During a recent visit to assess the progress of CHAURU farmers, TADB’s Director of Planning, Advisory and Institutional Relations, Waziri Mkani, said, “TADB is committed to empowering smallholder farmers to achieve commercial agriculture. Through CHAURU, we are seeing real results: farmers are increasing yields, incomes are rising, and cooperative collaboration is stronger than ever.”

Since partnering with TADB, CHAURU’s rice production has risen from 4 tons per hectare to 7 tons, while the cultivated area expanded from 460 hectares in 2019 to over 720 hectares. Membership has grown from 455 to more than 900, and over 1,500 jobs have been created, mainly benefiting youth and women.

Shamiuna Shoo, CHAURU Manager, highlighted the impact on farmers’ livelihoods:
“TADB’s support has enabled us to access capital and grow our farming operations efficiently. Farmers now have secure harvests and reliable markets—something that was a major challenge before.”

CHAURU Chairman, Mchujuko Tunu Mchujuko, added, “Before TADB, we farmed traditionally and income was low. Today, our farmers harvest more, earn more, and are able to invest in children’s education and other economic activities.”

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The partnership has also allowed CHAURU to diversify income streams, including selling packaged hay, generating over TSh 30 million per season. With modern machinery like tractors, combine harvesters, and dryers, the cooperative has significantly improved efficiency and reduced post-harvest losses.

TADB’s interventions demonstrate how strategic investment, technical support, and financial services can transform smallholder agriculture, creating tangible benefits for farmers, their families, and the wider community.

Farmers now have access to modern equipment such as tractors, combine harvesters, dryers, and hay balers, reducing post-harvest losses and improving efficiency.