ZANZIBAR: THE ongoing Agriculture Exhibitions in Unguja have provided an opportunity for beneficiaries of the Productive Social Safety Net (PSSN) programme of the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) to expand the market for the various products they produce.
The beneficiaries, who are from Unguja and Pemba Islands, have noted that in addition to expanding their markets, the exhibition has enabled them to meet other entrepreneurs for idea exchange on how they can improve their businesses.
Speaking at the TASAF pavilion, one of the beneficiaries, Ms Mariam Khassim Abdallah, said the exhibitions have enabled her to acquire more skills and techniques to improve her business.
Ms Mariam, who sells various Seaweed products, also commended the government’s initiatives to hold Agriculture exhibitions and provide a platform for all stakeholders to showcase their products.
“By participating in these exhibitions, I have been able to earn income for my family and connect with other entrepreneurs in the same business as mine.
This network is valuable for idea exchange and knowledge sharing on how we can improve our products and even export them,” she said.
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The beneficiary also thanked TASAF for enabling her to move away from extreme poverty to the extent of being able to afford the cost of living and send her children to school.
“Without TASAF, my life would have been worse. I had nothing to make a living before, but now, I’m grateful for this support to the point of having my own business,” she explained.
Hassan Mohamed Mbwana said TASAF has enabled him to acquire skills in making soap and other products that he sells to make a living.
“My family depends on me, and I’m glad to be part of TASAF beneficiaries participating in this exhibition.
This expo is useful for all of us because we sell our products and meet various people from the public and private sectors for idea exchange,” he explained.
Mr Mbwana is now capable of manufacturing bar soaps, washing detergents, among others.
Other products made by PSSN beneficiaries at this year’s Expo include handicraft items such as mats, handbags, and liquid soap.
Additionally, visitors to the TASAF pavilions are being informed about the various interventions of the PSSN programme in alleviating poverty among beneficiary households.
