Prime
Sugarcane farmers equipped with modern skills in Kilombero Valley
What you need to know:
- A total of 734 farmers from 17 Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies have successfully completed training under the Elimu Tija initiative, a programme spearheaded by the Kilombero Community Charitable Trust in collaboration with Kilombero Sugar Company Limited
Morogoro. Sugarcane farmers in the Kilombero Valley have been equipped with modern agricultural and financial management skills in an effort to enhance productivity as a major sugar factory expansion takes shape in the area.
A total of 734 farmers from 17 Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (Amcos) have successfully completed training under the Elimu Tija initiative, a programme spearheaded by the Kilombero Community Charitable Trust (KCCT) in collaboration with Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL).
The company is currently undertaking a major expansion project at its K4 factory, aimed at significantly increasing sugar production and boosting the local economy.
The training, part of a wider drive to transform farming practices in the valley, comprised five intensive modules covering sustainable sugarcane cultivation, financial literacy, environmental conservation, and entrepreneurship. All participants received certificates upon completion.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the executive director of Ifakara Town Council, Ms Pilly Kitwana, described the programme as a transformative investment in rural communities.
“I commend KCCT and Kilombero Sugar for their meaningful investment in farmer education. This training lays the foundation for real transformation in the lives of our people. The government remains committed to supporting such critical efforts for the development of Kilombero’s communities,” she said.
KSCL managing director Mr Guy Williams reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to community development through KCCT, which it principally sponsors.
“KCCT has been active for over 25 years, and Kilombero Sugar continues to be a key partner in supporting its mission to improve livelihoods in the Kilombero Valley. I congratulate all the farmers on completing the training and encourage them to apply the knowledge gained to improve their farming practices,” he said.
KCCT board chairperson Mr Derick Stanley echoed the sentiment, calling for more stakeholders to support the initiative.
“KCCT has worked tirelessly with partners for more than two decades, with Kilombero Sugar playing a pivotal role. We urge others to come on board as we prepare for the K4 expansion project, which presents a unique opportunity for farmers to adopt best practices and benefit from increased cane demand,” he said.
Kilombero Sugar’s director of growers, Mr Pierre Redinger, noted that the farmers’ enthusiastic response reflected a growing appetite for practical skills and long-term agricultural change.
“Empowering farmers with practical skills is the most effective way to drive lasting transformation in agriculture. We’ve seen an overwhelming response and a strong desire for learning. We now look forward to improved productivity and vertical growth in sugarcane farming,” he said.
KCCT acting manager Ms Willa Haonga noted that the training was delivered with support from various partners who contributed to modules on environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
Participating farmers expressed their appreciation for the knowledge gained and called for the continuation of such initiatives.
They also proposed the establishment of demonstration plots and the provision of training materials to support hands-on learning and the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
