TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) have entered into a grant agreement for Phase II of their collaborative project. This phase is supported by a $2.1 million (Tzs 5.4 billion) grant from TMA, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Norway, and Ireland, spanning three years. The project aims to enhance market access, promote sustainable trade practices, and empower local farmers in Tanzania’s horticultural industry.
The horticultural sector faces challenges such as limited financing access, climate change impacts, and inadequate market information. To address these, the project will establish farmer-buyer linkages, leverage digital solutions for market accessibility, provide training to enhance market understanding, and address environmental and climate issues. Compliance with international standards like Global G.A.P and the British Retail Consortium Global Standards will also be emphasized.
Ms. Monica Hangi, TradeMark Africa’s Regional Director for East and Central Africa, highlighted the project’s goal of upscaling production, increasing export volumes, and creating job opportunities, particularly for youth and women.
On his part, Mr. Anthony Chamanga, TAHA’s Chief Development Manager, expressed optimism about enhancing Tanzania’s horticultural products’ global competitiveness and accelerating export growth.
The horticultural sector is vital to Tanzania’s GDP, with a significant annual growth rate. Phase I of the project successfully linked farmers to markets and achieved certification milestones, contributing to economic growth. With strategic collaborations and supportive policies, the sector’s potential for further economic development is substantial, contingent on a conducive growth environment and commitment to innovation and quality.
