Yas, KADERES to empower coffee farmers in Kagera

KAGERA: YAS Tanzania, Mixx by Yas, has partnered with Karagwe Development and Relief Services (KADERES) to promote sustainable development for smallholder coffee farmers in Kagera region.

The collaboration aims to uplift the livelihoods of farmers in Karagwe and Kyerwa districts by adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates climate resilience, financial inclusion and sustainable agricultural practices.

The initiative, which includes disbursement of over 3.0bn/-, is set to benefit 5,000 coffee farmers while advancing KADERES’ mission to enhance biodiversity in the region.

Mixx by Yas Chief Officer, Ms Angelica Pesha said the initiative underscores the company’s agricultural efforts with global sustainability goals.

“We aim not only to address the immediate challenges faced by these farmers but also to pave the way for a resilient and prosperous agricultural future,” she said on Tuesday.

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The telco has been instrumental in supporting farmers across the country by facilitating payments and providing digital extension services through the ‘Tigo Kilimo’ platform. The platform’s partnership with over 400 farmer cooperative unions, agricultural enterprises and the Zanzibar State Trading Corporation have resulted in the disbursement of over 100bn/- to more than 50,000 farmers across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

KADERE Chairman, Mr Leonard Kachebonaho underscored the partnership as a transformative step toward achieving sustainable rural development.

“By combining forces, we are not only empowering smallholder coffee farmers’ economically but also fostering environmental stewardship through agroforestry. “This represents the power of collective action in driving positive change, and we are excited about the tangible impact it will have on the lives of farmers in these districts,” said Mr Kachebonaho.

The joint partnership underscores the shared commitment of Mixx by Yas and KADERE to advancing climate-smart agriculture, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability in rural communities.