On January 19, 2024, AFAP Tanzania embarked on its “Addressing Gaps in Smallholder Agricultural Production – Tanzania” project. This milestone was marked by an inception meeting that encompassed the Lake Zone regions, including Mwanza, Simiyu, Mara, Geita, and Kagera. The meeting served as a collaborative forum, uniting essential stakeholders such as Hub agro dealers, Regional Agricultural Officers, the Bayer Lake zone team, and the dedicated AFAP Team.

The primary agenda of the inception meeting revolved around introducing the project to the stakeholders and collaboratively planning the work ahead. Topics discussed included extension services, Community Agriculture Advisors (CAA) training, the establishment of demonstration plots, and other critical aspects. During the meeting, key decisions were made, including determining the number of demonstration plots per hub agro dealer, the allocation of extension agents per hub, the number of CAA per extension agent, and the formation of farmer groups under the CAA’s guidance. Additionally, agreements were reached on the compensation for extension agents and their transportation allowances.

All participating hubs expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements made during the meeting. As a result, a commitment was made to collect the names of extension agents, proposed demo sites, and details regarding seeds and fertilizer by February 15, 2024.

The overarching goal of this project is to directly engage with 100,000 smallholder farmers to provide them with access to finance, inputs, agronomic support, markets, information, and Bayer agricultural products. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance productivity, increase incomes for community members, and create pathways to better market opportunities for farmers. Ultimately, these efforts will lead to improved profitability, resilience against shocks, and integration into robust commercial markets, encouraging increased investments from Bayer and the private sector in smallholder agriculture.

In addition to the direct beneficiaries, an estimated 500,000 family members of farming households will indirectly benefit from the program. This initiative also serves to raise awareness about Bayer products within the farming community, further contributing to its success.

By directly enhancing the well-being and livelihoods of 100,000 smallholder farmers and indirectly impacting 500,000 family members, this project stands as a testament to AFAP’s commitment to catalyzing private sector investments in smallholder agriculture and fostering sustainable agricultural development.