ARUSHA: BETTER days for spice growers in Tanga Region are in the offing, thanks to an ambitious deal intend to commercialise the industry.
Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and Tanga City Council have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform the spice industry.
The ceremony, held in Arusha on Tuesday, was marked by the presence of TAHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Jacqueline Mkindi and Tanga City Council Executive Director, Dr Frederick Sagamiko, who unveiled an ambitious plan to fortify the partnership.
The MoU aims to provide substantial support to farmers and stakeholders connected to the horticultural value chains in Tanga and surrounding areas.
By focusing on production, processing, and marketing improvements, the agreement aspires to empower the stakeholders and to enable them to exploit the benefits offered by the spice industry.
This initiative aims not only to enhance the quality and value of their produce, but also to introduce advanced horticultural technologies and practices. It also seeks to broaden access to domestic, regional, and international markets.
The initial milestone of this collaboration is the establishment of a horticultural Common Use Facility (HCUF) in Tanga City.
Dr Sagamiko expressed Tanga City Council’s dedication to meeting its commitments as outlined in the MoU.
A crucial part of this commitment involves providing a minimum of five acres of land in the Pingoni Industrial area for the HCUF construction and additional activities, including a 100-acre commercial model farm.
This allocation of land also provides room for future expansion, enhancing the project’s scalability. A
dditionally, the Tanga City Council has committed to ensuring an adequate supply of water and electricity to maintain the facility’s operational sustainability.
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They also pledged to oversee the construction of a highly efficient HCUF, specifically designed to serve its purpose effectively.
Dr Sagamiko described the agreement as historic, noting its potential to revolutionize the spice industry and generate significant employment opportunities for women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
He underscored the strategic importance of targeting the spice sector, highlighting its competitive advantages.
“Many Tanga residents have a deep-rooted history in spice cultivation, making this an optimal time to convert indigenous knowledge into commercial success,” Dr. Sagamiko remarked.
Plans include developing a shared processing facility to prepare spices for international markets, aiming to boost foreign exchange earnings and stimulate the local economy.
Both TAHA and Tanga City Council are optimistic that this landmark agreement will be a cornerstone for Tanga’s economic development and set a precedent for future collaborations in Tanzania’s horticultural industry.
With the MoU signed, stakeholders are keenly looking forward to witnessing the tangible outcomes of this transformative partnership, poised to elevate the spice industry and the broader horticultural sub-sector in Tanga.
Through this collaborative initiative, the aim is to fully realise the potential of the spice industry and extend its benefits to a wider community.
TAHA is leveraging its extensive expertise and professional credentials to establish and operate the HCUF in Tanga City.
“TAHA will oversee the entire system to ensure effective management of the HCUF,” stated Dr. Mkindi.
In addition, TAHA will provide strategic guidance to maximize the facility’s benefits for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders.
Importantly, TAHA will ensure that both youth and women gain access to the facility, allowing all parties in the agreement to benefit.
Under the USAID’s $24 million Tuhifadhi Chakula Project, TAHA will concentrate on improving post-harvest loss management and enhancing the value of spices.
This will involve deploying innovative technologies and ensuring compliance with environmental standards, all while addressing climate change impacts.
The collaboration aims to revolutionize the spice industry, particularly by engaging women and youth, thereby fostering a more inclusive economy.
Dr Mkindi reaffirmed TAHA’s commitment to deploying agronomists to assist spice growers in adopting better cultivation practices for higher yields. With support from SIDA, TAHA will guide farmers from production stages through to market access.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Mkindi thanked the Tanga City Council for selecting TAHA as a strategic partner to uplift the local horticulture industry.
She highlighted TAHA’s dedication to making significant advancements within the spice industry, aligning with its core mission.
Additionally, she pointed out Tanga’s favorable climate for cultivating spices and herbs, assuring that TAHA will work tirelessly to harness this potential for local economic growth.
Tanga City Council Deputy Mayor, Ms. Rehema Mhina, voiced strong support for the partnership, anticipating a transformative impact on the spice industry.
She emphasized the job creation potential, especially for women and youth, and pledged to support these groups with soft loans facilitated by the council’s 10 per cent allocation, thereby further driving economic growth and empowerment.
