US launches programme to boost Zanzibar’s horticulture sector

THE United States government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar have launched a new programme aimed at strengthening Zanzibar’s horticulture market systems and promoting economic development.

The Feed the Future Tanzania Kilimo Tija Activity in Unguja and Pemba Islands aims at increasing economic opportunities in horticulture, with a special focus on empowering youth.

In her remarks, the USAID/Tanzania Feed the Future Coordinator Dr Tor Edwards emphasized on the growing partnership for the two governments and horticulture sector success as witnessed in increasing supply of nutritious food and boosting the economic growth for Zanzibar.

“A decade ago, Zanzibar was importing most of its horticulture products from the mainland and other sources, but now almost 80 percent of horticulture products are produced in Zanzibar, as local farmers are increasingly providing the hotel industry with valuable horticultural products,” said Edward.

The event had the presence of the Speaker of the Zanzibar House of Representatives Zuberi Ali Maulid, Ministers and USAID officials, and it highlighted USAID’s unwavering commitment to support horticulture economic growth in both Unguja and Pemba islands

The launch event also included the handover of motorcycles and soil test kits to block extension officers working under the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock in Zanzibar.

The Kilimo Tija project has budgeted 2.3bn/- in support of the horticulture sector for Zanzibar in 2023/24 fiscal year, to drive economic development in the horticulture sector and lay the foundation for sustainable development and prosperity.

This programme is expected to benefit at least 500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and 8,000 farmers in the isles.

Targeting Tanzania’s Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania “SAGCOT” regions of Iringa, Mbeya, Morogoro, and Njombe, along with Zanzibar’s Unguja and Pemba islands, USAID Kilimo Tija’s primary goal is to sustainably increase economic opportunities in horticulture market systems, with a special focus on empowering youth.

The project works with public and private sector associations, youth-led and women-focused institutions and national and local government authorities to enhance horticulture market systems and unlock economic opportunities, particularly for the youth.