By Cheji Bakari , The Guardian
COCOA growers in the Zigi River valley and its sub-catchment areas have reported a sudden 50 percent decrease in the prices of their processed seeds. They are urging the relevant authorities to take immediate action to restore the prices to their previous levels.
The farmers expressed shock and dismay at the low prices they recently received from traders. They could not provide specific reasons behind these price fluctuations but emphasized the need for prompt intervention.
The growers, who are also dedicated to environmental and water source conservation in the Zigi catchment areas—spread across Amani, Potwe, and Kimbo villages within the Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara range of block mountains—shared their concerns during an exclusive interview with The Guardian reporter over the weekend.
Twaha Juma, chairperson of the Union for Farmers and Environmental Conservation of Kihuhwi and Zigi (UWAMAKIZI), spoke on behalf of 1,825 farmers. These farmers have dedicated the past decade to cocoa and spice farming along the riverbanks, striving to conserve water sources while seeking economic benefits. Initially lucrative, the recent decline in prices has significantly impacted their earnings.
"Last year, the price reached 15,000/- per kilogram, but this year it plummeted to 2,000/- before slightly recovering to 7,000/- per kilogram by May," Juma said.
"The price fluctuations present a serious challenge for us. Many environmental conservationists had planted numerous cocoa trees because of the substantial benefits they offered, but now the prices have sharply dropped. We need markets and agribusiness experts to come here and provide us with technical advice on what to do," he added.
Cocoa production began in Tanzania in the late 1960s. Despite its potential, it has not been significantly promoted or developed as one of Tanzania’s strategic cash crops. This lack of support and development has left cocoa farmers vulnerable to market volatility, impacting their livelihoods and conservation efforts.
The Zigi River valley is not only vital for cocoa farming but also plays a crucial role in the environmental health of the region. The farmers’ conservation efforts are aimed at protecting water sources that are essential for the local ecosystem and the communities that rely on them. The significant drop in cocoa prices threatens not just their economic stability but also the sustainability of their environmental initiatives.
Farmers in the Zigi River valley are calling for the establishment of more stable and supportive market structures. They are seeking government intervention to stabilize cocoa prices and promote the crop as a strategic agricultural product. Additionally, they urge for the involvement of agribusiness experts to provide guidance on how to navigate the current market challenges and improve production techniques.
The decline in cocoa prices is a stark reminder of the need for a more robust agricultural policy that supports farmers and recognizes the dual role they play in both economic development and environmental conservation. Ensuring fair prices and market access is crucial for the sustainability of cocoa farming in Tanzania.
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