EAGC links farmers to expand market access and improve farm productivity in Tanzania
The Farmer Field Day connected farmers with improved technologies, quality inputs and new business opportunities ahead of the next planting season.
TANZANIA – More than 1,000 farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, development partners and other agricultural stakeholders gathered in Mlowo Ward, Mbozi District, Songwe Region, for a Farmer Field Day organized by the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) in partnership with Kibo Seeds Company Limited and Tumaini Group.
The event gave farmers direct access to improved agricultural technologies, quality farm inputs, technical training and business opportunities. Participants visited demonstration plots, viewed farm machinery and mechanization solutions, attended technical training sessions, explored exhibitions and took part in structured business meetings that connected them with buyers, suppliers and service providers.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Zakayo Mwaitosya, Acting Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Economic and Productive Sectors, said the initiative supports the government’s efforts to strengthen commercial agriculture.
“This Farmer Field Day directly supports the Government’s vision of commercial agriculture by equipping farmers with practical knowledge, quality technologies and stronger market linkages. Such partnerships are essential in advancing the objectives of the 10/30 Agenda and Tanzania Development Vision 2050.”
He said Songwe Region remains one of Tanzania’s leading grain producing areas because of its fertile soils, strong agricultural base and strategic location for regional trade. He also encouraged farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices, reduce post harvest losses, use improved seed and produce crops that meet market requirements.
Speaking on behalf of EAGC, Board Chair Michael Kitulizo said farmers must focus on market demand as well as production.
“The future of agriculture will not be determined by who produces the most, but by who consistently produces what the market demands, at the quality it requires. Today’s Farmer Field Day is about equipping farmers with the knowledge, technologies and market connections needed to build profitable agricultural enterprises.”
Kitulizo also reaffirmed EAGC’s commitment to working with government and private sector partners to strengthen structured grain trade, improve market information, promote quality standards and expand regional market opportunities.
Kileo Ombeni, Regional Cluster Leader at Kibo Seeds Company Limited, highlighted the value of strong partnerships in helping farmers access improved technologies and commercial opportunities.
Farmers also received practical training on improved crop production, certified seed, climate smart agriculture and post harvest handling. Demonstration plots allowed participants to compare crop varieties and farming practices, while exhibitors presented a wide range of agricultural technologies, mechanization equipment and business support services. Exhibitors included Zana Bora, Minjingu Mines and Fertilizer, the Ministry of Agriculture through the Building Better Tomorrow Programme, Imara Tech, Azania Bank, ITRACOM, Tanzania Biotech Products Limited, Plant Biodefenders Limited, Pee Pee Tanzania Limited and MIICO.
The event also created business meetings that connected farmers with reliable suppliers and new markets. Many participants purchased certified seed and other farm inputs directly from exhibitors ahead of the next planting season.
Development partners, including SAGCOT, ADP Mbozi, NADO, Solidaridad and Farm Africa, supported the event alongside The Coca Cola Company, which provided in kind support. The Farmer Field Day forms part of EAGC’s wider work to strengthen grain value chains, improve farmer skills, increase market access and support regional food security.
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