Former ACT-Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe has pledged to transform cassava farming in Kigoma Region through industrialisation, promising to establish processing plants and secure better prices for farmers if his party wins control of the Buhigwe District Council in the October 29, 2025 General Election.
Addressing a campaign rally in Nyamugali Ward on Wednesday, Zitto said Kigoma’s economy could be significantly strengthened through value addition in the cassava sector, which employs thousands of smallholder farmers but remains heavily dependent on middlemen.
“Our vision is to industrialise cassava production so that farmers earn more from their hard work,” he said.
“We will remove middlemen and connect farmers directly with processors in Burundi and Rwanda, while encouraging local investors to build factories here in Kigoma.”he added
Zitto noted that farmers in Buhigwe, Kakonko and Kasulu Rural constituencies currently earn between TZS 100 and TZS 200 per kilo of cassava, compared to up to TZS 2,467 per kilo for processed cassava in Burundi and Rwanda.
“By ensuring farmers sell directly to processing industries, they will be able to earn between TZS 700 and TZS 1,000 per kilo. This is how we build a strong, farmer-driven economy,” he added.
He emphasised that industrialising cassava production would not only boost rural incomes but also create employment opportunities for young people and reduce dependency on imported starch and flour products.
“Once we start processing cassava locally, we retain more value within our communities. This is about empowering farmers and creating sustainable development for Kigoma,” he said.
Meanwhile, ACT-Wazalendo’s parliamentary candidate for Buhigwe, Frank Ruhasha, said his campaign focuses on addressing citizenship challenges that have long affected residents in border communities.
He recounted a personal childhood experience in which his parent was arrested and beaten by immigration officers on suspicion of being a non-Tanzanian a memory that continues to drive his determination to fight for justice and identity rights.
“I grew up knowing what it means to be questioned about your citizenship in your own country,” Ruhasha said.
“I am determined to ensure that no resident of Buhigwe ever faces that kind of humiliation again.”he added
ACT-Wazalendo’s campaign in Kigoma has placed strong emphasis on value addition, cross-border trade, and inclusive economic growth positioning the region as a key agricultural hub for Tanzania’s industrial future.