Dar es Salaam, October 19, 2024 – At the Tanzania Poultry Show 2024, Tullah Mloge, Principal Executive Assistant to the CEO of SAGCOT, delivered a compelling message: investing in soybean cultivation and empowering smallholder farmers is crucial for unlocking Tanzania’s agricultural potential. To achieve this, SAGCOT is championing compacts with stakeholders, placing smallholder farmers at the heart of the agreement.
Mloge highlighted the significant benefits of increased soybean production, emphasizing its role in strengthening the poultry industry by reducing reliance on costly imports and lowering feed costs for local farmers. This, she argued, would enhance profitability and boost Tanzania’s overall agricultural sector.
Challenging the perception of soybean farming as a solely large-scale activity, Mloge emphasized the potential for smallholder farmers to become key players in soybean production. She pointed to Zambia’s success story, where smallholders have significantly contributed to the sector’s growth, demonstrating the economic viability of small-scale participation.
“Soybean is a large-scale crop, but we must also find ways to involve our smallholder farmers,” Mloge urged. “They too can benefit from this lucrative sector with proper support and tools.”
Mloge outlined SAGCOT’s collaborative efforts with organizations like IITA and WFP to provide essential resources to farmers, including technical training and market support. These partnerships, she explained, are designed to reduce risks for smallholders and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Recognizing the challenges faced by smallholders, Mloge stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment that provides access to affordable inputs, training, and financial support. She highlighted SAGCOT’s commitment to connecting farmers with private sector partners and government initiatives to facilitate access to these vital resources.
“If we empower smallholder farmers with the tools, training, and market access they need, they can help meet the growing demand for soybeans both within and beyond our borders,” Mloge concluded. “This will strengthen our agricultural sector and provide much-needed income for rural communities.”
To ensure sustainability and create this enabling environment, SAGCOT is actively promoting compacts with various stakeholders across the soybean value chain. These compacts prioritize the needs and well-being of smallholder farmers, ensuring they are central to the sector’s growth and development. By fostering collaboration and shared responsibility, SAGCOT aims to create a thriving and inclusive soybean sector that benefits all involved.
Key takeaways:
- Soybean potential: Increased soybean cultivation is key to unlocking Tanzania’s agricultural potential.
- Smallholder inclusion: Empowering smallholder farmers is crucial for the success of the soybean sector.
- Collaborative support: Partnerships and support systems are essential for reducing risks and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
- Enabling environment: Creating an environment that provides access to resources and market opportunities is vital for smallholder success.
- Economic benefits: Increased soybean production will strengthen the agricultural sector and provide income for rural communities.
- Sustainable Compacts: SAGCOT is championing compacts with stakeholders to ensure sustainability and prioritize smallholder farmers in the soybean sector.
