Taha, Tanga City Council sign agreement to facilitate commercialisation of spice industry

Tanga. Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) and Tanga City Council have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to commercialise the spice industry in Tanga.

July 2's signing ceremony in Arusha featured Taha CEO Ms Jacqueline Mkindi and Tanga City Council Executive Director Dr Frederick Sagamiko, who unveiled ambitious plans to solidify this partnership.

The core objective of this MoU is to offer significant support to farmers and others linked to the horticultural value chains in Tanga and its neighbours.

By enhancing the production, processing, and marketing of their crops, the deal aims to empower these stakeholders to reap the benefits of the spice industry.

The initiative is set to provide added value to their produce, deliver cutting-edge knowledge on horticultural technologies and practices, and open up access to domestic, regional, and international markets.

The first milestone in this agreement is the construction of a horticultural Common Use Facility (HCUF) in Tanga City.

Dr Sagamiko assured, "Tanga City Council is fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as laid out in this framework."

Key to this commitment is the provision of at least five acres of land in the Pingoni Industrial Area for the construction of the HCUF and additional activities, including a 100-acre commercial model farm.

This land allocation also allows room for future expansion. Tanga City Council has pledged a consistent supply of water and electricity to ensure the facility's operational sustainability.

Further commitments include overseeing the building of a robust and efficient HCUF, engineered to serve its intended purpose scrupulously.

Describing the agreement as historic, Dr Sagamiko highlighted its potential to revolutionise the spice industry and create noteworthy employment prospects for women, youth, and people with disabilities.

He emphasised the strategic importance of focusing on the spice sector, citing its inherent competitive advantages.

“Many Tanga residents have a deep-rooted history in spice cultivation, making this an optimal time to convert indigenous knowledge into commercial success,” Dr Sagamiko said.

Plans include establishing a shared processing facility to prepare spices for international markets, aiming to enhance foreign exchange earnings and invigorate the local economy.

Both Taha and Tanga City Council are optimistic that this landmark agreement will serve as a cornerstone for the economic development of Tanga and set a precedent for future collaborations in Tanzania’s horticultural sector.

Through this joint initiative, they aim to unlock the full potential of the spice industry, extending its benefits far and wide.

Taha leverages its vast expertise and professional credentials to establish and operationalize the HCUF in Tanga City.

“Taha will manage the entire system to ensure effective oversight of the HCUF,” stated Ms Mkindi.

The organisation will also provide strategic guidance to optimise the facility's benefits for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders.

Moreover, Taha will facilitate access to the facility for both youth and women, ensuring that all parties involved in the agreement reap its benefits.

Through USAID’s $24 million Tuhifadhi Chakula Project, Taha will focus on enhancing post-harvest loss management and spice value addition, deploying innovative technology, and ensuring environmental standards compliance while addressing climate change impacts.

The collaboration aims to revolutionise the spice industry by engaging women and youth, thus fostering an inclusive economy.

Ms Mkindi reiterated Taha’s dedication to deploying agronomists to assist spice growers in implementing better cultivation practices for higher yields.

Additionally, with support from Sida, Taha will guide farmers from the production stage through to market access.

 Ms Mkindi thanked the Tanga City Council for choosing Taha as a strategic partner to elevate the local horticulture industry.

Tanga City Council Deputy Mayor, Ms Rehema Mhina, echoed her strong support for the partnership, foreseeing a transformative effect on the spice industry.

She noted the potential for job creation, particularly targeting women and youth. Ms Mhina also pledged to back these groups with soft loans, supported by the council’s 10 percent allocation, to further drive economic growth and empowerment.