Nyanza Cooperative Union has invested more than 3.2 billion shillings from internally generated revenue to rehabilitate a cotton ginnery in Magu District, aiming to increase processing capacity and add value to farmers' produce.
The upgraded facility is expected to process up to 20 million kilogrammes of cotton annually, strengthening the union's ability to support the cotton value chain, according to board chairman Leonard Lyabauma. The union also plans to cultivate cotton on 600 acres in Misungwi District to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials.
Beyond cotton, Nyanza Cooperative Union is expanding into other income-generating activities. The union operates 17 fish cages in Luchelele where fish have been harvested three times, and plans to establish another 60 cages in Buchosa Town Council. It also intends to construct a fish feed manufacturing plant to supply its fish-farming operations and reduce production costs.
The investments attracted interest from a visiting delegation from Tunduru Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Union of Ruvuma Region, which came to learn from Nyanza's experience. The visit inspired the delegation to consider establishing its own cage fish farming project as an income source, according to general manager Marcelino Mrope.
For savers and investors in Tanzania's cooperative sector, these investments demonstrate how unions can diversify revenue streams and strengthen returns for members beyond traditional agricultural activities.