Under the aegis of the Beyond Farming Collective program, SUGECO has been granted investment funds that will provide a major boost to its promotion of youth and female employment through commercial agriculture and a significant scaling up of SUGECO’s ground-breaking Kizimba Business Model (KBM).

Over a two-year span, SUGECO will use the investment funding provided to implement a far broader, more ambitious and financially sustainable version of Kizimba, adding new technologies and modern equipment to its agri-business operations.

The business model was designed to improve youth and women farmers’ agricultural productivity by increasing their access to farmland, extension services, agricultural inputs, technology and business knowledge. It also enables them to invest in farming with more diverse and high-value crops and assured markets to sell to. 

The Beyond Farming Collective is a five-year program that began in 2022 to strengthen agri-food industry organizations (AFIOs) and drive inclusive agricultural transformation in three strategic markets in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania. The program is financially supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Of the total project budget of $428,188, Beyond Farming Collective is providing the majority with a contribution of $349,528, while SUGECO’s in-kind contributions of $78,660 will include revenue from the sale of produce and service fees, as well as the use of its land, facilities, and technical expertise.

Key Targets

Employing the Kizimba Business Model it created, SUGECO will use the investment from Beyond Farming Collective to: 

• Install post-harvest crates, cold room chains, harvesting equipment and packhouse facilities for sorting, grading, and processing

• Acquire four 20-foot refrigeration containers to store between 20 and 30 tons of fresh produce

• Install water reservoirs with 7.5 and 10 million liters of water storage capacity to irrigate over the dry season

• Install drip irrigation systems and a fertilization system for crop nutrition

• Purchase necessary farm machinery and equipment

• Train farmers on Good Agriculture Practice (GAP), compliance and food handling processes, agri-business skills and practical hands-on training 

• Build on market links, financing, and contracting arrangements

SUGECO Objectives

The project will align with SUGECO's key objectives to:

• Raise the incomes of its members, which include young people and women farmers, ages 18 to 35

• Improve access to premium and export markets for youth and female producers that focus on high-value crops such as sweet melon, bitter gourd, Habanero chilli, and cucumbers.

• Reduce post-harvest losses by 60% through the use of improved harvesting facilities

• Increase sales volume and revenues for both SUGECO and contracted youth and female producers

• Boost employment opportunities—both direct and indirect—and generate income for SUGECO programs, its’ contracted youth, female producers, and other stakeholders in the value chain.

Key Takeaways

• 48% increase in farmer incomes

• 3,525 direct jobs

• 17,625 indirect jobs

• 21,150 direct beneficiaries 

• Up to 500,000 TSH/month income

• 60 % less harvest loss

• Modern farming technologies and equipment 

• Environmentally-friendly practices 

• Improved Gender Equality

• Financial sustainability 

Overview

Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO) is dedicated to facilitating youth involvement in the agricultural sector, particularly through entrepreneurship in agribusiness. This project focuses on enhancing the recovery and resilience of flood-affected communities in the Mtwara region by implementing innovative and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The project involves a multi-stakeholder approach, with an inception meeting held to engage various participants, including government officials, local farmers, youth groups, and business leaders.

Project Background

The project was initiated in response to severe floods on April 1, 2023, which devastated five villages in the Mtwara region of Tanzania—Kivava, Sokoni, Kivukuni, Angazo, and Kilamboma—displacing 1,400 people from 395 households and causing extensive damage to homes, agricultural fields, and critical infrastructure. Recognizing the urgent need for recovery and long-term resilience, UNDP Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania and the Mtwara Regional Authority, with financial support from the Government of Japan, developed this project to address both immediate and systemic challenges. The project is implemented by Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO) and focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of 300 smallholder farmers by promoting innovative, climate-resilient agricultural practices. The initiative also aims to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to integrate climate risk management into their planning and to empower women and youth-led enterprises to access green finance, thereby ensuring inclusive and sustainable recovery for the flood-affected communities.

Results to be Achieved

The project aims to achieve several key results that will significantly impact the resilience and recovery of flood-affected communities in Mtwara. Firstly, it seeks to enhance the capacity of 300 smallholder farmers to implement innovative, climate-resilient agricultural practices, ultimately leading to heightened agricultural productivity and increased production in the region. Secondly, the project endeavors to improve the capacity of Mtwara region authorities to incorporate climate-related risks, preparedness, and disaster response measures into regional plans, with a specific focus on supporting small-scale farmers. Lastly, it aims to empower women- and youth-led local Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and entrepreneurs to secure green finance from the private sector, thereby fostering economic sustainability and inclusivity within the community. These results collectively contribute to building a more resilient and prosperous future for the flood-affected communities in Mtwara.

Key Activities

The project is focused to enhance inclusive recovery and resilience for flood-affected communities in Mtwara involves a series of comprehensive activities aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability. SUGECO will conduct a baseline survey to assess the current needs and introduce climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices. Key activities include a 5-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for 10 extension officers on cassava and horticulture Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which will be followed by step-down training for smallholder farmers. The project also involves supplying of drought-resistant seeds and appropriate pesticides to 300 farmers, along with other necessary farm inputs based on market needs and crop requirements. Additionally, soil analysis will be conducted, and technical guidance will be provided to ensure optimal soil management.

To further enhance community resilience, the project will install a water reservoir with a 7.5 million-liter capacity and drip irrigation systems covering 1 hectare of youth-owned farms. A solar water pump will be installed to facilitate water pumping for the reservoir. Community awareness training sessions on climate risk, disaster response, and sustainable post-harvest management technologies will be conducted. Enterprise mapping and market surveys will be carried out to identify opportunities for local enterprises. Furthermore, leadership, negotiation, and conflict management training will be provided, along with support for developing bankable business plans and equipping youth and women-led SMEs with skills for profitability analysis in horticulture and other value chains. These activities collectively aim to build long-term resilience and sustainability in the Mtwara region's agricultural practices and economic activities.

Expected Impact

The expected impact of the project is to significantly enhance the resilience and livelihoods of flood-affected communities in Mtwara by increasing agricultural productivity through innovative, climate-resilient practices. By training smallholder farmers, improving local authorities' disaster preparedness, and empowering women and youth-led enterprises, the project aims to address both immediate recovery needs and long-term systemic issues related to climate change and agricultural challenges. The introduction of sustainable technologies, such as drip irrigation and solar water pumps, alongside comprehensive training and support, will ensure that these communities can sustainably manage future risks, ultimately leading to improved economic stability, reduced vulnerability, and a more robust agricultural ecosystem in the region.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the project to enhance inclusive recovery and resilience for flood-affected communities in Mtwara represents a vital step towards sustainable development and prosperity in the region. Through its comprehensive approach, the project aims to address immediate recovery needs while also building long-term resilience against future challenges, particularly those posed by climate change. By empowering smallholder farmers, strengthening local authorities, and supporting women and youth-led enterprises, the project lays the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive community. Ultimately, the project's success will not only improve the livelihoods of those directly impacted by the floods but also contribute to the overall well-being and economic stability of the entire region.

This year, SUGECO, in collaboration with TAPBDs Company, is implementing the “Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AIDI-II) Project, funded by USAID through CIMMYT and AGRA. The project is implemented in Morogoro, Njombe, and Iringa Regions. The project is in response to the impacts of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war that have escalated to food security challenges in the southern part of Africa. These global crises have resulted in unprecedented impacts, including the rise in the cost of fuel, agriculture inputs (seeds, fertilizers), and food imports. The consequences are more borne by small-holder farmers.

 AIDI-11's focus is on scaling food security technologies to the last mile for 1 billion households in Tanzania by 2024. The goal of the project is to scale food security technologies to the last mile for 1 million households in Tanzania by 2024.

Objectives

1.    Increase sustainable production of the target crops through a market-pull approach.

2.    Increase the production and utilization of high-quality seeds and fertilizer, including lime.

3.    Enhance the operational and coordination capacity of the domestic seed and fertilizer markets.

4.    Enhance the implementation capacity of local institutions and regional actors.

5.    Enhance the resilience of small-scale farmers by enhancing their capacity to set up and disseminate agronomic and soil fertility management.

Role of SUGECO in this project

1.    Capacity-building support for youth-led enterprises

2.    Recruit and train VBA’s (youth and women).

3.    Conduct an extension service event for farmers.

4.    Facilitate VBA’s to train farmers on extension skills and the use of improved seeds and fertilizers.

5.    Support the internship of youth in agribusiness through agri-SMEs and farmer organizations.

6.    Support youth and women to establish QDS (for the promoted bean seed varieties).

7.    Promote the adoption of various extension and land use technologies for sustainable farming.

SUGECO, through the Feed the Future program, awarded a project entitled “Introducing Post-Harvest Loss Technologies to Unlocking the Business Potential of Horticultural Value Chains in Morogoro, Tanzania." It is a three-year project that will be implemented in Lubungo Village, Mvomero District, and Morogoro Region.

The objective of this project is to contribute to the KTA strategic objective, which aims to increase access to commercially provided and productivity-enhancing agricultural technologies. The proposed project aims to give farmers access to postharvest handling facilities for vegetable and fruit crops (sweet melon, okra, cucumber, and bitter guards, etc.) grown by youths and women in Morogoro and surrounding regions.

In this project, SUGECO will use the KBM model with contractual arrangements such as contracts with buyers in farming and the supply of the agreed value chains, contracts between SUGECO and producers on farming and the use of installed facilities, data generation, and documentation for learning and upscaling.

About Feed the Future Tanzania Kilimo Tija Project

Feed the Future Tanzania Kilimo Tija Project (hereafter referred to as the Kilimo Tija Activity or KTA) is a five-year project, worth $37.9 million that will transform the Tanzanian horticulture market system into a more vibrant, competitive, resilient, and inclusive one capable of fueling sustained growth and drawing in new market participants. Through the Kilimo Tija Project, horticulture-related enterprises, smallholders, and producer organizations—especially youth will benefit from improved commercial access to productive technologies and training to help them produce quality fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for an expanding and diverse market of domestic and international buyers.

Project Name: The Implementation of UNDP Empowerment activities for the Kigoma Joint Programme (KJPII)

Client: United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Tanzania

Implementer: Sokoine University Graduates Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO).

Beneficiaries: The initiative will work with 400 beneficiaries, in phase one (October – December) 60% of whom will be women. 4,000 will have access to direct support and are envisaged to employ four youths, each of whom will engage in planting, weeding, harvesting, grading, and value addition. Indirect beneficiaries also include drivers and food vendors making a total of 1,600 beneficiaries.

Timeline: October – December 2023

Location: Kasulu and Kibondo District Councils, Kigoma.

Category: Capacity building

Project Overview

Women and youths in the Kigoma Region (Kasulu and Kibondo Districts) are economically disadvantaged due to discrimination at multiple levels, including employment, heritage, leadership, and the law. In addition to their traditional responsibilities, women perform the majority of agricultural work; however, their share of the economic benefits from this labor is minimal. Education and partnerships with women's and youth organizations, cooperatives, and groups are suggested as methods for increasing women's awareness of their economic and social rights and privileges. SUGECO's plans to partner with UNDP to offer technical backstopping on farming (Good Agricultural Practices-GAP), business and entrepreneurship skills training, and leadership development are specifically designed to enhance women's and youth empowerment through targeted skills training, access to business, marketing, and supportive access to productive resources, and self-employment in high-value, productive agribusinesses value chain. These organizational strategies, in collaboration with other regional stakeholders, are crucial measures toward the empowerment and freedom of women and youth.

Project Objective

To support UNDP effort to empower youth and women economically. In alignment with UNDP core values of empowerment, inclusion, and engagement, SUGECO will focus on two key components for the proposed intervention to effectively engage and empower youth and women,

1.        Economic participation – offering farming technical skills, building life skills, financial literacy, and business development skills to increase their employment and entrepreneurship potential in agricultural and agribusiness value chain activities; and 

2.       Leadership – strengthening their ability to serve in leadership roles in their communities and local government. It is anticipated that the proposed economic and leadership activities will build the confidence, knowledge, and skills of women resulting in their increased participation in agribusiness ventures and engagement in local government elections (October 2024) as voters, and as possible Village Council leadership contestants.

Project Activities and Implementation

SUGECO will reach out to four Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) totaling over 120 individuals that will be dedicated to the most vulnerable age group. A positive youth development approach will be used to adapt all aspects of the program, with an emphasis on cultivating life skills for healthy living, as well as offering leadership, business, and entrepreneurship skills training geared toward youth and women. Lessons learned from the UNDP-sponsored KJPI will be used to expand networking and collaboration opportunities to build capacity for this new youth initiative. 

The proposed women’s empowerment and skills training model will include:

1.       Basic Agribusiness Skills and Entrepreneurship Training (up to 14 days)-- train unemployed women and youth from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds living in rural communities, the majority of whom are standard seven and secondary school leavers or dropouts who failed to proceed with school as a special group of youth out of school out of jobs.

2.       Advanced Leadership Skills Training (up to 5 days) –interactive leadership skills training designed to cultivate confidence, and life skills for healthy living, with an emphasis on nutrition, healthy families, and an awareness of women’s rights and gender equality about accessing health care, water, nutrition, education, land ownership, and credit.

3.     Business Mentorship and Coaching/Consulting Services – offer expert agribusiness development consultation and support for program participants integrated into the Basic Training, drawing on SUGECO’s resource people from their Fact-Based Advocacy and Business Information Services and the Youth Entrepreneurs Incubator Program; and

4.       Emerging Best Practices Panel– create a panel of program graduates, business faculty, industry leaders, and policy and research advocates (profiling successful business women and community leaders), who will be invited to share their knowledge, networking connections, and evidence-based best practice experiences to cultivate business development skills, as part of the Advanced Leadership Development Training.