Key Points to Know:
This initiative marks the Gates Foundation’s first venture into Tanzania’s horticultural sector, focusing on the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions.
Arusha – The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is launching a transformative initiative aimed at improving the prospects of horticultural farmers in Tanzania’s northern highlands. The foundation has pledged nearly Sh1 billion in grants to support the “Farm to Market Efficiency” project, spearheaded by the Tanzania Horticulture Association (Taha). This funding is targeted at enhancing marketing infrastructure and addressing critical challenges within the horticulture industry.
This investment signifies the Gates Foundation’s inaugural involvement in Tanzania’s horticultural industry, with a focus on the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions. Simon Mlay, Executive Associate to the CEO of Taha, explained that the project will upgrade Taha’s shared facilities, integrate advanced post-harvest technologies, and improve market access for smallholder farmers, transporters, and farm assessors.
Over the next three years, Taha will partner with the Beyond Farming Collective (BFC), Bopnic, the Africa Agribusiness Academy (AAA), the KIT-Royal Tropical Institute, and others, including TahaFresh Handling Ltd. and GreenCert Ltd. The project aims to modernize Taha’s infrastructure, enhance crop processing capabilities, and increase market engagement by upgrading the Tengeru Packhouse and Himo Collection Centres.
Additionally, the initiative will focus on effective post-harvest practices, such as utilizing solar coolers and training farmers in climate adaptation techniques. It also seeks to establish partnerships with off-takers and exporters to expand market opportunities and ensure a steady demand for farmers’ produce. A crucial aspect of the project involves opening new markets in China and Europe and efficiently managing contract farming.
Stakeholders will benefit from improved access to market information and post-harvest management techniques, supporting informed decision-making and promoting sustainable practices. At the project’s launch, Grace Mhina, Impact Manager at the Beyond Farming Collective (BFC), expressed optimism about the project’s potential to positively impact small-scale farmers in Arusha and Kilimanjaro. She highlighted Taha’s strong track record as a key factor in the Gates Foundation’s decision to invest in Tanzania’s horticultural subsector.
Ms. Mhina suggested that the project’s success could lead to broader initiatives across the country, enhancing Tanzania’s agricultural reputation. During the inauguration in Arusha, Justa Katunzi, Assistant Director of Crop Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the Gates Foundation. She emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with Taha to achieve the project’s objectives and hoped it would boost horticultural exports and crop quality nationwide.
Yasinta Manyatta, a key off-taker from Fresh Field Manyatta Company, praised the project for addressing critical infrastructure needs, noting that improved packhouses are essential to prevent crop spoilage before reaching the market. Taha’s Chief Development Manager, Anthony Chamanga, lauded the foundation’s pioneering investment, highlighting its potential to increase foreign currency earnings, create employment opportunities for women and youth, and enhance food security in Tanzania.
This initiative represents a significant advancement for Tanzania’s horticultural industry, promising major improvements in infrastructure, market access, and overall efficiency.
