When training, markets and soil finally align

MOROGORO: SIXTEEN billion shillings may sound like the kind of money that makes people stop counting zeros halfway through, but for thousands of smallholder farmers across Tanzania, it represents something far more tangible: Better harvests, better markets and a future where farming actually pays.

Over a fouryear period, this substantial investment is being channelled into the Baridi Sokoni Project, an ambitious agricultural programme being implemented in 60 villages across six districts and four regions of the country.

The project is implemented by the Network of Smallholder Producers in Tanzania (MVIWATA), with funding from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme, (GAFSP) and supervision by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

In simple terms, it is a partnership that combines grassroots farmer networks, global funding and continental oversight, proof that agriculture works best when everyone pulls in the same direction, preferably toward the farm.

When completed, the project is expected to directly benefit 4,000 farmers who practice agroecological farming of spices and vegetables.

These are not just any farmers; they are producers who care about soil health, environmental sustainability and consumer wellbeing, while also keeping a close eye on climate change.

Farming, in this case, is not just about planting seeds, it is about planting ideas.

Speaking over the weekend during a media visit to Kibogwa Ward in Matombo Division, rural Morogoro, the Baridi Sokoni Project Secretary, Asela Kavishe, explained that the project officially began in March last year.

Since then, it has spread across Morogoro Region (Mvomero and Morogoro Rural districts), Njombe Region (Wanging’ombe District), Kilimanjaro Region (Same District) and North Unguja (North A and B districts).

That is quite a journey for a project that started with a plan and a promise.

According to Kavishe, Baridi Sokoni focuses on high-value spice crops such as cloves, chilli peppers, cinnamon and ginger, alongside vegetables including tomatoes, peas, beans and garlic.

These crops were selected not by chance, but by market demand and their suitability for agroecological systems. In other words, the project grows what sells and sells what grows well.

“The main objective of the project is to improve production and marketing systems for agro ecological agriculture,” Kavishe said.

“This approach considers the health of the environment, soil, plants and consumers, while also addressing climate change.” It is farming with a conscience and a calculator.

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Training plays a central role in the project’s success. Through farmer field schools, smallholder farmers within networks and groups receive hands-on instruction designed to improve efficiency and productivity.

These are not classrooms with chalkboards and exams, but practical learning spaces where farmers exchange knowledge, test methods and learn by doing.

As Kavishe noted, this approach has significantly enhanced agro ecological farming practices among participants.

Farmers involved in the project have learned proper planting techniques, effective land preparation, ecological pest and disease control methods and improved post-harvest handling.

For many, this training has been transformational. Farming is no longer guesswork passed down by tradition alone; it is now informed by science, experience and shared learning. The project has also supported farmers with quality inputs.

Improved spice and garlic seedlings have been purchased and distributed, ensuring farmers start with strong planting material. In one notable intervention, six tonnes of garlic were distributed to 403 farmers.

As a result, Mvomero District now boasts more than 700 farmers engaged in garlic farming a figure that would have seemed ambitious just a few years ago.

In addition, tomato seeds were distributed to 507 farmers, a move expected to significantly boost incomes in the near future.

Tomatoes, after all, are one of those crops that never seem to take a day off from the market. Beyond production, Baridi Sokoni places strong emphasis on market access.

The project aims to ensure that farmers practicing agroecological farming can access large, reliable markets that reward quality and consistency.

After all, producing more is only half the battle; selling well is where farming becomes a business. Cost reduction is another major benefit.

Through training, farmers are learning to use farm-available inputs rather than relying on expensive external products.

They are also being taught how to prepare their own nurseries, cutting costs while improving seedling quality.

To support this effort, the project has established 12 nurseries for cinnamon and cloves, producing a total of 17,500 seedlings. Once the long rains are over, farmers will be able to plant these seedlings on their farms.

This initiative ensures reliable access to quality planting material and puts an end to the practice of collecting inferior seedlings from unreliable sources, a habit that often costs farmers more than it saves.

According to Kavishe, the nurseries offer farmers a double benefit: They can plant seedlings on their own farms and sell surplus seedlings to other farmers.

This income-generating opportunity is expected to expand farm acreage and encourage wider adoption of spice farming in the near future.

Infrastructure development is also part of the plan. The project, which is being implemented in two phases at a cost exceeding 16 billion shillings, plans to construct seven warehouses in participating villages.

These facilities will improve storage, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen farmers’ bargaining power.

After all, a farmer with storage can wait for a better price; one without it often cannot. Financial inclusion has not been forgotten.

The project has strengthened VICOBA and SACCOS groups, enabling farmers to access loans and invest more confidently in agriculture.

Through the Baridi Sokoni Project’s Revolving Fund, 8.1 tonnes of cloves worth 151.6m/- were purchased from 73 farmers.

This collective marketing system has increased both productivity and returns for spice farmers, proving that unity really is strength.

“Through this project, we aim to improve production systems, increase incomes, strengthen financial infrastructure and ensure reliable markets,” Kavishe said.

It is an ambitious list but one that is steadily being ticked off. Looking ahead, MVIWATA plans to build a spice-processing factory in the Kiroka area of rural Morogoro.

This facility is expected to add value to locally produced spices, create jobs, and further stabilise markets.

It also signals a shift from raw production to agro-processing where real money often lies. Apolo Chamwela, Chairman of MVIWATA and Board Member of the Eastern and Southern African Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF), praised the project’s potential.

He noted that Baridi Sokoni’s impact would be even greater if the government creates a conducive environment for buyers to reach farmers directly.

With such support, he added, rural youth migration to urban areas would likely decline, as farming becomes a viable and attractive livelihood. On the ground, farmers are already feeling the difference.

Theodor Mkude from Pinde Village in Mvomero District said agroecological farming has begun to bring meaningful economic changes to his family. Farming, he noted, now feels less like survival and more like progress.

Mwanahamisi Rashidi from Kibogwa Village echoed this sentiment, saying the project has renewed her love for farming. She particularly appreciates the focus on land preparation, proper planting methods and assured market access.

When farmers know how to grow and where to sell their confidence grows along with their crops. In many ways, Baridi Sokoni is doing exactly what its name suggests: Cooling market pressures while warming up farmer incomes.

And if sixteen billion shillings can achieve that, it may just be one of the smartest investments Tanzania’s agriculture sector has seen in a long time.