New Projects Worth USD 4.25 Million Will Strengthen Tanzania Agriculture Productivity

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has announced plans to fund approximately USD 4.25 million in projects to strengthen and improve Tanzania agricultural productivity, incomes, and the access to markets for farmers in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT). The Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), the Rural Urban Development Initiative (RUDI), the Women in Social Entrepreneurship (WISE) and the Dunduliza Network of Savings And Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs) are currently working together to create a series of project to last three year projects that will improve Tanzania farmers’ access to quality seed and inputs, educate agro-dealers on improved technologies, and make these improved technologies more accessible by connecting agro-dealers and farmers to micro-financiers. According to Dr. Mary Mgonja, the AGRA Tanzania Country Head, funding from the organization is intended to help improve Tanzania agriculture productivity from start to finish. "These grants take into consideration the whole value chain: from ensuring farmers have access to improved seeds and other inputs, training in the best soil management practices and output markets which, pay a fair price for their harvests," Mgonja added. Funding from the AGRA will be distributed to projects in the southern highlands regions of Tanzania, including Ifakara, Kilombero, Kilolo, Kyela, Ludewa, Mbarali, Mbeya, Mbozi, Momba, Namtumbo, Songea and Sumbawanga. The AGRA works across the African continent to help farmers develop practical solutions to significantly boost farm productivity and incomes while, at the same time, protecting the environment.