Gates Foundation grants Sh1 billion to support Tanzania’s horticulture

Arusha. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is funding a groundbreaking new initiative that will provide horticultural farmers in Tanzania’s northern highlands with brighter prospects.

The foundation has committed nearly Sh1 billion in grants to the “Farm to Market Efficiency” project, which will be implemented by the Tanzania Horticulture Association (Taha).

This funding is dedicated to strengthening marketing infrastructure and addressing key areas within the horticulture industry.

This investment marks the foundation’s debut in Tanzania’s horticultural industry, concentrating efforts in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions.

The Executive Associate to the CEO of Taha, Mr Simon Mlay, detailed that the project will enhance Taha’s shared facilities, incorporate advanced post-harvest technologies, and improve market access for smallholder farmers, transporters, and farm assessors.

Over the next three years, Taha will collaborate with the Beyond Farming Collective (BFC), Bopnic, the Africa Agribusiness Academy (AAA), the KIT-Royal Tropical Institute, and other partners, including TahaFresh Handling Ltd. and GreenCert Ltd.

The project’s goals include modernising Taha’s infrastructure, enhancing crop processing capabilities, and increasing market engagement through upgrades to the Tengeru Packhouse and Himo Collection Centres.

Additionally, it will focus on effective post-harvest practices, such as using solar coolers and training farmers on climate adaptation.

The initiative also seeks to build partnerships with off-takers and exporters to broaden market opportunities and ensure consistent demand for farmers’ produce.

A key component of the project involves opening new markets in China and Europe and managing contract farming efficiently.

Stakeholders will benefit from improved access to market information and post-harvest management techniques to support informed decisions and promote sustainable practices.

At the project’s launch, Grace Mhina, Impact Manager at the Beyond Farming Collective (BFC), expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential to positively impact small-scale farmers in Arusha and Kilimanjaro.

She noted that Taha’s robust track record was instrumental in the Gates Foundation’s decision to invest in Tanzania’s horticultural subsector.

Ms Mhina suggested that the project’s success could pave the way for broader initiatives across the country, enhancing Tanzania’s agricultural reputation.

During the inauguration in Arusha, Assistant Director of Crop Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ms Justa Katunzi, expressed gratitude to the Gates Foundation.

She underscored the government’s commitment to collaborating with Taha to realise the project’s objectives and hoped it would bolster horticultural exports and crop quality nationwide.

Yasinta Manyatta, a key off-taker from Fresh Field Manyatta Company, commended the project for addressing critical infrastructure needs, emphasising that improved packhouses are essential to prevent crop spoilage before reaching the market.

Taha Chief Development Manager, Mr Anthony Chamanga, praised the foundation’s pioneering investment, highlighting its potential to boost 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.