Tanzania is set to invest 16 billion shillings over four years to implement the Baridi Sokoni Project, a major initiative aimed at transforming agroecological farming across 60 villages in six districts and four regions.
The project, led by the Network of Smallholder Producers in Tanzania (MVIWATA) and funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), operates under the supervision of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
It is expected to reach 4,000 farmers engaged in growing spices and vegetables using environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Speaking to journalists in Kibogwa Ward, Matombo Division, Morogoro, over the weekend, Baridi Sokoni Project Secretary Asela Kavishe said the initiative began in March last year.
The program covers Morogoro Region (Mvomero and Morogoro Rural districts), Njombe Region (Wanging’ombe District), Kilimanjaro Region (Same District), and North Unguja (North A and B districts).
The project focuses on spice crops such as cloves, chili peppers, cinnamon, and ginger, alongside vegetables including tomatoes, peas, beans, and garlic.
“The main goal is to improve production and marketing systems for agroecological agriculture, which considers the health of the environment, soil, plants, and consumers, while addressing climate change,” Kavishe said.
Through farmer field schools, the project trains smallholder farmers in best practices for agroecological farming. Farmers have learned improved planting methods, land preparation, ecological pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling.
To support production, farmers have purchased improved spice and garlic seedlings. “We distributed six tons of garlic to 403 farmers, raising the number of garlic farmers in Mvomero District to more than 700,” Kavishe said.
Similarly, tomato seeds have been given to 507 farmers, expected to boost their incomes in the coming seasons.
The project also aims to ensure farmers gain access to large and reliable markets, thanks to production aligned with agroecological systems.
By training farmers to use locally available inputs and manage nurseries, Baridi Sokoni helps reduce production costs.
Twelve nurseries for cinnamon and cloves have been established, producing 17,500 seedlings. “After the long rains, farmers will plant these seedlings on their farms, ensuring access to high-quality spice plants and moving away from inferior seedlings,” Kavishe said.
These nurseries also allow farmers to sell seedlings to other farmers, expanding cultivation and income opportunities.
In addition to supporting cultivation, the project plans to build seven warehouses across participating villages and strengthen VICOBA and SACCOS groups, enabling farmers to access loans for agricultural investment.
Through the project’s Revolving Fund, 8.1 tons of cloves worth 151.6 million shillings have already been purchased from 73 farmers, boosting collective marketing and returns.
Looking ahead, MVIWATA plans to construct a spice-processing factory in Kiroka, Morogoro, which is expected to enhance value addition and market opportunities.
Apolo Chamwela, MVIWATA Chairman and Board Member of the Eastern and Southern African Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF), said the project could achieve even greater impact if the government facilitates a favorable environment for buyers to reach farmers, reducing youth migration to urban areas.
Farmers involved in the program have already reported positive changes. Theodor Mkude from Pinde Village, Mvomero District, said agroecological farming is beginning to transform his family’s economic situation.
Mwanamisi Rashidi from Kibogwa Village expressed her renewed passion for farming, highlighting improved land preparation, planting methods, and market access as key benefits of the project.
Baridi Sokoni is emerging as a model for sustainable farming, combining environmental stewardship, income growth, and market development for Tanzania’s smallholder farmers.