Igoma Village, Mbeya District —Fueled by the vision of thriving through round potato agribusiness, Igoma Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) has grown from a modest group of 20 farmers to a strong network of 300 members in less than two years. The members collectively farm approximately 1,560 acresSupported by sustainable farming, strategic collaborations, and a TZS 800 million loan, this cooperative demonstrates how rural communities can unlock prosperity and self-reliance.
In May 2023, Igoma AMCOS began with a simple yet powerful vision: to uplift their community through sustainable potato farming. Guided by advisor Erasto Anthony Mhagama and supported by the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT), the cooperative started with 20 farmers. Through hard work, trust, and a shared commitment to growth, the cooperative quickly expanded, attracting hundreds of new members eager to be part of this transformative journey.
“Our members are planting the seeds of a brighter future,” said Mhagama. “This cooperative is not just a business—it’s a lifeline for the community.”
Strengthening the Potato Value Chain: Igoma AMCOS is revolutionizing the potato value chain by focusing on local seed production, value-added processing, and modern infrastructure. By partnering with global leaders like HZPC and local institutions such as Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), the cooperative has introduced disease-resistant seeds and advanced farming techniques, boosting yields and quality.
The cooperative also invests in value-added processing, training members to produce potato chips and dried flakes. This not only diversifies income streams but also provides stability during market fluctuations. Plans for modern storage facilities with cold rooms will further reduce post-harvest losses and empower members to time their market entries for maximum profit.
Unlocking Potential Through Strategic Partnerships: A key turning point came when Igoma AMCOS partnered with HZPC, a global leader in potato breeding. Through demonstration plots and hands-on training, members learned advanced techniques that significantly increased yields. The Farmer-to-Farmer initiative with Tajirika na Lusitu further empowered members with practical skills, transforming Igoma AMCOS into a regional model for sustainable farming.
“We’re not just producing more; we’re producing better,” Mhagama shared. “And with better produce comes better opportunities for our members,” shared Mhagama.
Beyond Farming: Building Economic Independence: Igoma AMCOS is about more than farming—it’s about creating lasting economic change. By exploring potato seed production, the cooperative is reducing dependency on external suppliers and unlocking new revenue streams.
Value-added processing is another critical focus. “When the market is saturated with fresh produce, processed products ensure steady incomes,” Mhagama emphasized. This holistic approach is setting Igoma AMCOS up as a future-ready cooperative, capable of meeting both local and regional demand. Investments in collection centers and cold storage facilities are crucial for ensuring better market prices and reducing post-harvest losses. However, this remains a significant challenge for Igoma AMCOS, as they still lack the necessary funds and technical know-how to implement these improvements effectively.
A Data-Driven Approach to Success: Igoma AMCOS takes a unique, data-driven approach to farming. Members rotate potatoes and maize across zoned fields, achieving peak yields of up to 50,000 sacks of potatoes per acre—all without irrigation. This strategic approach maximizes productivity and adapts to changing conditions, ensuring consistent growth.
Enhancing Prosperity Through Strategic Collaboration: The influence of Igoma AMCOS transcends its membership. In 2023, demonstrating exceptional financial acumen, the cooperative not only secured but also fully repaid a TZS 400 million loan from CRDB Bank within just six months. This swift repayment showcases their robust financial health and prudent management. Buoyed by this achievement, Igoma AMCOS sought to double their financial leverage with an application for an TZS 800 million loan to expand their operations. However, the bank, considering the cooperative’s capacity and future growth potential, approved an additional TZS 400 million loan. Igoma AMCOS is actively repaying this new loan, further solidifying their reputation for financial responsibility and enhancing their ability to scale operations effectively.
“This cooperative has given us access to larger markets and better prices,” shared one member. “Before, we were isolated. Now, we are part of something powerful that uplifts us all.”
A Model for Sustainable Rural Development: Igoma AMCOS embodies the principles of collective action and sustainable development championed by SAGCOT. By organizing farmers, connecting them to larger markets, and fostering community bonds, the cooperative is creating a replicable model for rural development across Tanzania.
A Future of Possibilities: As Igoma AMCOS looks ahead, its ambitions are clear: seed production, infrastructure upgrades, and value-added training are just the beginning. Each new project brings hope and opportunity, turning a once-small cooperative into a thriving community force.
