Tanzania's Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office has urged leaders in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, to promote agro-processing industries that would allow farmers to add value to their produce and increase their earnings. Engineer Hamad Masauni made the call during an event marking the completion of the Saseni Water Channel project in the district. In remarks delivered on his behalf by Mwanga District Commissioner Hassan Bomboko, the minister said establishing small-scale industries would help create a diversified and self-sustaining local economy by enabling farmers to earn more from agricultural output.
The minister said leaders should develop programmes supporting the establishment of value-added businesses. This would allow farmers to move away from selling low-margin raw crops and capture a greater share of profits instead. He noted that the national economy is experiencing growth, presenting an opportunity for local development. The minister commended Floresta Tanzania, the organisation that designed and implemented the Saseni Water Channel project, saying its work had contributed to improved agricultural production, household incomes and environmental conservation in the district.
About 80 per cent of farmers had benefited from improved harvests through training facilitated by Floresta Tanzania, according to the minister. This assistance has helped strengthen food security in the area and provide additional income to farming households. The minister also urged residents and institutions, including hotels and tour operators, to prioritise locally produced goods, saying increased demand would encourage farmers and entrepreneurs to expand production, thereby strengthening local livelihoods and the national economy.
For savers and borrowers in Tanzania, increased agro-processing development could improve rural incomes and stimulate demand for business loans and financial services in farming communities.