Friday 27 May, 2011
SUPPORTING THE PROMOTERS OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION
kilimokwanza@guardian.co.tz
MILK WEEK
The Guardian KILIMO KWANZA
Friday 27 May, 2011
EDITORIAL
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Drink Milk for Good Health
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anzania marks the annual National Milk Week and the World Milk day at a time when there is an influx of imported milk in the country. According to the National Sample Census on Livestock, there is an average of one cow for every two Tanzanians. However milk consumption remains low, at only 43 litres per person or a fifth of what experts say should be the ideal average. It is also sadly ironical that a country that boasts the third largest cattle herd in the continent also imports milk and milk products from over 20 different countries of the globe, including reconstituted milk imported from some desert Middle Eastern nations. Over US $ 5m worth of milk and milk products is imported into the country every year. Admittedly, powdered milk forms the biggest portion of the global milk industry and as such poses the biggest threat to the local milk industry. Whilst there is no law prohibiting the sale of reconstituted milk (powdered milk that has been mixed with water) as long as the agreed procedures for reconstitution and quality are met, perhaps it is time for the authorities to start putting in place stricter controls on milk imports. Similar regulation exists with the importation and exportation of other agro-produce such as sugar, grain products like flour and even tea and coffee. Why not milk? According to a draft report by milk processors on improving competitiveness of the dairy industry, lack of enforcement of regulations and the proliferation of informal milk operations are major causes behind the sluggishness of the local milk industry. The report says that experience in other countries has shown that regulatory interventions alone cannot eliminate the sale of unprocessed milk. “It appears that this has to go hand in hand with risks involved in the consumption of raw milk,” the draft report says, adding that the price of processed milk has to come down significantly to make it affordable to low income consumers, who are otherwise unwilling to pay for the costs of pasteurization and packaging. The report indicates that the country’s dairy processing industry has shrunk by more than 80 per cent over the last 15 years, adding that it has become uncompetitive on the domestic market (narrow and expensive range of products) and is not export oriented. At least, thirteen dairy plants have gone out of business and the total amount of milk processed per day is only 60,000 litres
Artwork
& Design: KN Mayunga
(down from 400,000 litres). Recently the government announced that it was in the process of preparing the Livestock Sector Development Program (LSDP) which it is hoped will among other things, encourage the growth of the milk sector. Once complete, the LSDP will join a host of already existing regulation on the livestock industry, including the Animal and Diseases Act, Veterinary Act, Animal Welfare Act and the Dairy Act all of which are in one way or the other geared towards increasing the contribution of the livestock industry to the economy, which currently stands at a mere 4% of GDP. However they say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Without proper enforcement all these well meaning regulations will remain just that - nothing but good intentions. It has been said that livestock keeping has a higher potential of eliminating poverty than crop farming. A cow that gives an average 5 litres of milk per day for example could provide a farmer’s family with income that is equivalent to TSH 2,000 per day (equivalent to US$ 1.25) if the farmer were to sell 4 litres of the milk. This income would also be available all year round unlike crop earnings that are seasonal. The cow also produces manure that could either be sold or used on the farmer’s crop farm to boost productivity. Furthermore a farmer’s family benefits from good health as a result of drinking the remaining 1 litre of high protein milk from the cow. Tanzania’s population is heavily dependent on agriculture with over 80% of the population directly dependent on farming as the source for their livelihood. Development of the local livestock and dairy industry therefore has important linkages to the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals (MDG’s) of eliminating poverty because over 40% of all crop farmers in Tanzania also keep livestock.
Low awareness of Dairy Industry Act
COVER STORY - MILK WEEK
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No Post Harvest Milk Loss in Tanzania – TDB Claims
inside
More Milk. Better economy
The Guardian KILIMO KWANZA
Friday 27 May, 2011
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EU Plants More Euros in Food Security
Wallace Mauggo Editor
8 To have your organisation promoted in Kilimo Kwanza, Call: 0787 571308, 0655 571308 0754 571308
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By Makuna Chirimi
here are no post harvest milk losses in the country, the Registrar of the Tanzania Dairy Board, Charles Mutagabwa has said. Contrary to widely circulated information and survey reports which indicate that close to 40% of all milk harvested in Tanzania goes to waste, the registrar has dismissed this as a matter of perception. “Show me a farmer who has failed to sell his milk and I will show them where to sell it. All the local processors are searching for milk and are unable to get enough. If there was excess milk being produced it would quickly be bought up,” the registrar said. Elaborating further, Mutagwaba said that to begin with, not all the cows in the country are milked. This is because the commercial demand for milk is still low, even as processors struggle to open up new milk collection centres in the rural areas. The board antici-
pates that the opening up of new collection points will encourage farmers to increase production and also to start milking more cows. “One can either decide to view a situation where farmer doesn’t milk all his cows and lets the calves drink the milk as a loss, or an alternative way in which the farmer invests in his cows. It’s all a matter of perception,” he noted. Confirming however that local milk producers and processors have a tough time coping with the proliferation of foreign milk imports, the registrar said that price still offered a competitive edge to local products. He said that local products are currently priced lower than imports, giving them a market advantage. ““The fact that milk is imported from over 20 different countries indicates that there is a large untapped local market. That together with the fact that our local manufacturers are still able to produce and sell locally shows that there is huge unexploited potential market for milk in Tanzania. If we work hard we will all be competi-
tive.” The registrar clarified that the largest challenge for the local industry is posed, not by the imported liquid milk but by imported powdered milk. He revealed that the country imports between US$ 5 million and 7 million worth of milk and milk products every year. “We do not produce powdered milk locally and yet most of the milk consumed both locally and on the international market is powdered milk.” He however said that for logistical and other unstated reasons, it was not easy for the government to simply announce a stop to the powdered milk imports. “We work closely with the local milk processors. The dairy board acts as a bridge between government and the milk industry. For example the government has exempted taxes on milk collection and processing equipment and this is partly thanks to policy proposals that the dairy board delivered to the government on behalf of the milk industry.” However the registrar admitted that more needs to be done especially in
encouraging the government to zero rate milk and milk products. Zero rating will enable milk producers and processors to recoup taxes on key inputs like electricity and equipment. At the moment, the milk industry in neighbouring states like Kenya enjoys zero rating on milk, a move that makes their products highly competitive in the regional markets, including Tanzania. “We are still pressing for zero rating and hope that this consideration will be made in the coming budget (2011/2012),” he added. Commenting on the effects of the government’s new found resolve and its stated commitment to agriculture through Kilimo Kwanza, the registrar noted that, “It is still too early to gauge the effects and success of Kilimo Kwanza in the livestock industry especially since it’s only been one year in inception. However there are some positive indicators for example whereas in the past there was only facility offering seed storage facilities for artificial insemination, new centres have been set up in Mwanza, Dodoma, Kibaha and
Uyole in Mbeya. Another facility is currently under construction in Lindi. These centres are all provided with liquid nitrogen which is important in the storage of semen stocks. We hope that this will boost milk production as most of the available stocks are for dairy cattle,” he added. At the moment, of the over 22 million head of cattle in the country; the third largest herd in the continent, less than 700,000 are modern commercial breeds. At best, local cattle breeds produce an average of two to three litres of milk a day, which is just a fifth of what the modern commercial dairy breeds are capable of producing. Commenting on recently published claims that farmers across the country are losing out on revenue after the government froze raw milk exports out of the country, the registrar dismissed these claims as rumours that were likely being perpetrated by people with a hidden stake in the process. He said that following the government ban in October of 2008, the board conducted a nationwide survey that established that milk was still being produced and bought at the same rate and at the same price as it was before the ban. A previously government owned and now privatized Arusha based milk processing plant was in the middle of a protracted row in which a milk company of Kenyan origin that had initially entered into a joint venture to develop the firm was later accused of using the premises simply as a milk collection centre. This amounted to a conflict of interest with the investors in which the initial 2-year license was extended to December of 2009 before finally being revoked. The raw milk export ban was then put in place after an industry audit revealed that the investor firm was importing into the country on a tax-free basis, more milk that it was transporting out of the country for processing. However the raw milk exports have dried up now that the East Africa Community (EAC) customs union allows for tax free and unhindered cross border trading in milk and milk products among member states. The registrar said that with the implementation of the EAC customs union protocols, the firm in question has pulled out of the controversial deal and acquired a separate warehouse from where it now conducts its activities. Recently the Ministry of Trade and Industry announced that it is undertaking an audit of privatized firms to determine which of these have been abandoned or are being used contrary to tender agreements, this with a view of the possible government re-possession of such institutions. Within the milk industry, such undeveloped firms include the now dormant Ubungo “Maziwa” plant in Dar es Salaam. “We don’t know what it is being used for,” the dairy board’s registrar revealed.
The Guardian KILIMO KWANZA
MILK WEEK
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By Kilimo Kwanza Reporter
ilk consumption in the country remains relatively low despite Tanzania ranking third in terms of livestock population in Africa.
Drink Milk for Good Health. Build Tanzania’s Economy
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By Makuna Chirimi
anzanians have been urged to drink more milk both for their own good health and as a way of supporting the country’s economy. “We have made some progress from the 21 litres per person that was registered when we started this drive in 1998. However we are stuck on 20% and obviously still have a long way to go,” the Registrar of the Tanzania Dairy Board, Charles Mutagwaba admits. One of the ways to address this is through the Milk Week, with the highlight this year being the Milk and Milk Products Exhibition slotted for the 28th
The Guardian KILIMO KWANZA
Friday 27 May, 2011
This is why the Tanzania Dairy Board in collaboration with The Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries and other stakeholders in the industry decided to promote a milk drinking culture among Tanzanians by introducing the Milk Week, an annual event aimed at increasing consumption of milk and milk products. The annual national event is celebrated in the final week of May. This year, the Milk Week starts tomorrow and last till Tuesday of next week. The occasion will be marked in Dare s Salaam which is also the major milk market in the country. Every year, the Milk week features a theme that aims at sending a special message to Tanzanians on the importance of drinking milk. This year’s theme is ‘Drink Milk for Your Health, Build the Country’s Economy.’ The objectives of the Milk Week this year is to raise awareness among Tanzanians on the advantages of drinking milk as a healthy food for all ages as well as promote the benefits of milk to health. Milk contains all the nutrients required in a balanced diet. Milk contains a lot of proteins key for growth and vitamins A, B and D all of which are essential for a stronger body and strong bones, smooth skin as well as preventing blindness. Milk is also rich in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus which are important for building stronger bones and teeth. Milk also contains lactose which provides the body with energy and heat. Furthermore milk also contains fats that provide the body with energy and heat and water which helps the body in the digestion of nutrients. The Milk Week also aims at sensitizing policy makers on the importance of the dairy sub-sector in the country’s economic development and poverty alleviation. A dairy farmer with a single cow has in his possession an asset that is worth more than TSH 500,000/-, which is equivalent to the cost of a single dairy cow. Dairy farming therefore can help in alleviating income poverty through daily milk sales which can fetch as much as TSH 1m/- every year since one dairy cow can produce up to ten litres of milk a day, which is enough both for selling and for home consumption. Furthermore, a dairy farmer does not need a herd of cattle to be rich. Only a few cows can do and the rest, resulting from reproduction of the cows can be sold for extra cash. A dairy farmer can also use the manure from
MILK WEEK
Milk Week Promoting Milk Consumption
the cows for farming purposes and sell the resulting farm produce for an income. Dairy farming also creates employment opportunities and this is evident in the fact that in for 100 litres of milk produced, four permanent employment positions are created. The Milk Week also serves as a platform to encourage players in the sector to improve the quality of their products as well as giving them an opportunity to meet, learn and exchange ideas and experiences. Other activities to take place during this year’s Milk Week include the annual general meetings for associations such as the Tanzania Milk Producers Association (TAMPRODA) and the Tanzania Milk Processors Association (TAMPA) which are scheduled to hold their general meetings tomorrow. This year’s official opening of the Milk Week and milk products exhibition will take place at the Biafra grounds in Kinondoni on Sunday, May 29. The Annual Milk Stakeholders Council is scheduled to take place on May 30 to be followed by the climax on the World Milk day which is on May 31. The celebrations will include a milk awareness procession by students and other milk stakeholders. Dr David Mathayo, the Minister for
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Livestock Development and Fisheries will be the guest of honour. The Milk Week was launched by the World Food Programme (FAO) which selected the month of May for the promotion of milk consumption worldwide given its importance to health. In Tanzania, the initiative to promote milk consumption was introduced by the Coastal Dairy Farmers Association (CODAFA) in June 1997 after the East and Central Africa zone meeting which was sponsored by the Land O’ Lakes organization. The move followed the market challenges that were facing milk producers and processors at the time. The Milk week celebrations took off in 1998 and have since become an annual event celebrated between end of May and early June. In 2002, the national celebrations took place in Arusha, in Iringa in 2003, Mwanza in 2004, Tanga in 2005 and in Morogoro in 2006. Mbeya hosted the event in 2007, Sumbawanga in 2008 and Dodoma in 2009. Last year, the Milk Week was celebrated in Lindi. The Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB) was formed under section 262 of the Dairy Act of 2004. The roles of the dairy board include regulation and development of the milk sector. The dairy board encourages production, collection and processing of milk in a bid to improve the market consumption of milk and its products by supporting the activities of milk stakeholders in the country.
MILK – 31st of May at the Biafra Grounds in Kinondoni District of Dar es Salaam. Organized by the Tanzania Dairy Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries, this year’s exhibition will feature milk products and services by local processors, product tasting and testing as well as showcasing innovative ways to use milk. The theme for this year’s National Milk Week event is, “Kunywa maziwa kwa afya yako. Jenga uchumi wa nchi yako.” (Drink milk for good health. Build Tanzania’s economy.) The registrar revealed that this year’s event will be preceded by Seventh African Dairy Conferenc e and Exhibition that will be held from the
25th – 27th of May at the Moevenpick Royal Palm Hotel, in Dar es Salaam. The event is expected to attract over 300 international guests. “We will benefit from expertise, new ideas, technology, linkages and perhaps even new business opportunities will arise from the conference,” Mutagwaba said. Boasting the third largest cattle herd in the continent, Tanzanians still drink very little milk. The current annual milk consumption per capita is estimated at only 43 litres, when the ideal annual average should be above 200 litres per person. ‘Most people only drink milk with tea or coffee, but exhibitors will show different uses of milk including how to use milk at home to cook sauces and
other foods,” the registrar said. The exhibition will also encourage Tanzanians to purchase and consume local products as a way of supporting the local milk industry. Other planned activities include an awareness march by milk sector stakeholders that will be accompanied by giving milk donations to identified social welfare organization. Also slotted is a milk and milk products quality competition, a dairy livestock exhibition and exhibitions by organizations providing livestock and industry support and extension services. The annual general conferences for the Tanzania Milk Processors and Association (TAMPRODA) and the Tanzania Milk Processors Association
(TAMPA) will both be held on the 28th of this month to be followed by Annual Council of milk stakeholders on the 30th of May. Calling for a change in attitude towards locally processed milk and milk products, the registrar said that locally produced milk meets all the necessary quality standards. Observed in Tanzania since 1998, the National Milk Week aims to encourage the drinking of milk and to increase usage of milk products. The occasion is observed as a precursor to the World Milk Day that is celebrated on June 1st each year. Dar es Salaam was selected as the venue for this year’s National Milk Week because it constitutes the largest milk market in the country.
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Friday 27 May, 2011
The Guardian KILIMO KWANZA
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Friday 27 May, 2011
POLICY
The Guardian KILIMO KWANZA
Friday 27 May, 2011
MILIK WEEK
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When price advantage fails the user value test
By Nimi Mweta
nyone researching on hybrids suitable for farming in Tanzania or anywhere else can no longer just limit the research to drought resistance or early maturation and pest resistance alone. All product development is intended to enhance market share, and here taste is unavoidable when one talks about staples like rice. In other words a staple without the right taste attached to it is as good as useless. Short of giving it somewhere as a donation, it remains on the shop shelves. The marketing aspect of the different varieties of seed or more specifically of crops, and in particular rice, constitute a natural or social arbiter on the sort of policy that is feasible; since Kilimo Kwanza is first about food security and not agribusiness. The two aspects often tend to be confused. For instance when technological aspects are put up first privileging drought resistant crops; but when the taste aspect has been removed, that could prove fatal for the crop’s use. The significance of this is just starting to be noticed. Pursuing the food security strategy has to be confined to varieties of crops which do not disturb the social aspects of eating. This has to do with happiness in what is being taken, not merely in a listing of vitamins, proteins, etc. Some of the new varieties of crops fail the social marketing test. While there is scant research on the taste of newer crop varieties as compared to old ones, users provide a bountiful first hand information. On that account, a few murky details on what is expected in the Kilimo Kwanza drive are being cleared out. Instead of this being a policy clarification that depends on advice from professional agriculturalists in the various universities, the information is now coming mainly from mothers of families. They say even the children reject certain varieties of rice that are cheap and available, but distinct from traditional types. Examining data sources of the new varieties of rice which even children find tasteless and aren’t interested in becomes difficult though, as all specialized material available, say, on the internet freely mixes up issues. What is needed is a classification of types of rice on the basis of taste and how these different types fare in the marketplace. But it is hard to find something as hard as that, and instead one sees wise reminders to researchers that they should take taste into account. But what if there are benefits associated with letting the taste take care of itself?
What is surprising is that these “tasteless” rice varieties are now found in shops, as they are cheaper than the hitherto cheapest types whose grains aren’t whole but broken. However in spite of the fact that the changed taste variety fetches lower prices, it is a slow moving item on the shelves. The price advantage fails the user value test, since a product is first important or has a value when it can be used. Price comes up as the amount one is prepared to part with in order to take hold of that user value, without which the object is simply irrelevant. That is where the issue of differential use comes up. Thus for purposes of domestic consumption, not as a country but at the homestead, this sort of variety that is cheap enough but rejected even by children cannot be said to be feasible for commercial production. If it is present in shops it is there as a sort of an excess but it will unavoidably be a slow moving commodity because it doesn’t meet usual standards of edible rice in a social setting of the matter. There is no
question that this weakness is fatal to the marketability of that variety of rice for human consumption; it is therefore cattle feed or fuel. What this therefore suggests is that a neat distinction seems to be appearing on the horizon between Kilimo Kwanza as food security and as agribusiness. In the former it is chiefly concerned with water supply and obtaining two or three crop seasons where possible. But the seed types remain traditional or hybrids based on adding some tropical alternatives without altering what makes the seeds marketable, namely the taste of the seeds. It means there should be less pursuit of technological solutions to food security questions, as it may often appear. With the pursuit of biofuels, the concerns are altogether different as in that case all what matters is the relevant part of the plant that is being pursued, the starch. Here technological aspects are paramount, for instance the most drought resistant variety becomes the best, for instance in animal
feed, though some experts caution that animals also have a language of what sort of food they may accept or take with relish. Levels of affinity with the feed affect lactation, fattening, etc. That is why a suggestion was being given in recent months that technical reorientation or uplift needs to be conducted at the ministries responsible for agriculture, livestock and investment, so that these issues become clearer at the policy and resource allocation level. Kilimo Kwanza in relation to food security may thus remain within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, while agribusiness and biofuels are re-categorized in the Tanzania Investment Centre, with relevant ministerial references. Morally and strategically the two would have distinct and separate functions. The first sphere is responsibility of the government, the second is investment attraction, incentives which doesn’t touch on direct concerns of public welfare, save in relation to creating agro-based jobs. The proper focus of
food policy would be removed entirely from the sorts of seed varieties that come up strongly in bio-fuels and animal feeds, without pursuing current illusions that food security becomes a byproduct of a ‘wider’ pursuit. Bio-fuels are after all more marketable or profitable than food. It is also evident that since food security means the constant supply of socially acceptable types of grain, it merits a whole series of considerations as to irrigation or targeted price subsidies and inputs. The bio-fuels variety of crops would therefore constitute a different sort of activity that is relevant to policy, not as social security but for creation of jobs or widening the tax base. This has significant fallouts for welfare, without being synonymous with it. It may assist in ensuring that whatever crops are farmed for food are palatable, and not replaced by industrial varieties that don’t meet social marketing tests. This is vital and may even be an act of human justice and equality.
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By Makuna Chirimi
here is low awareness of the Tanzania Dairy Industry Act 2004, the Tanzania Dairy Board Registrar, Charles Mutagwaba admits . Assented by the former President Benjamin Mkapa on the 4th of June, 2004, the Act repealed the Dairy Industry Act of 1965 and provides for the production, regulation and promotion of the dairy industry and establishment of the Tanzania Dairy Industry Board. The act applies to all milk and milk products but does not apply to milk or milk products not intended for sale and those produced for consumption of the producer, members of his family, his employees or animals kept by the farmer. The Dairy Industry Act allows the Minister for Livestock Development and Fisheries to, upon the advice of the board, make regulations that prescribe
Low awareness of Dairy Industry Act
standards for the dairy industry. Such standards include those for construction, lighting, ventilation, cleanliness, water supply of dairies and the equipment used in the production and manufacture of milk and milk products. They also encompass the duties of inspectors, graders, sampling officers and analysts and the examination and analysis of milk. In addition, the regulations prescribe the minimum standards for milk and milk products and prohibit the
sale of milk that does not conform to these minimum standards. Interestingly among the regulations of the act, is one that prohibits the direct retail to consumers of raw unprocessed milk, something that is still overwhelmingly common across the country. Another regulation also prohibits the diluting of fresh milk with water, a practice that is however still popular among raw milk vendors across the country. Admittedly most law enforcers and health inspectors are either
unaware of or not keen to implement the statutes of this act. “The problems we face now could be drastically reduced if they took it as part of their responsibility to inspect milk production and distribution as they do with other livestock products such as meat,” the dairy board’s registrar said. The regulations also prescribe the methods of processing and manufacturing milk products which include limitations on the use of preservatives, colouring or any other substances
added to milk; and the methods for grading milk and milk products and issuance of grading certificates for producers and manufacturers. The treatment and disposal of any wastes and effluents arising from the production or processing of milk is also provided for in the act. Additional regulations provide for methods of packaging milk products, provide for the distribution of milk and milk products which includes the cleanliness of the vehicles and vessels used for transporting milk and authorize persons authorized by the board to undertake spot checks and detain vehicles carrying milk and milk products. The act requires that all persons dealing with milk and milk products register with the dairy board and at which point the board can register such a person to conduct activities as a milk producer, processor, marketing agent, importer, exporter, retailer or dairy inputs supplier. The register is required to among other things, maintain a register of milk producers, processors, importers and exporters, marketing agents, dairy inputs suppliers, manufacturers and retailers and issue a certificate of registration to any person who deals with milk and milk products. Certificates issued under this act are non-transferable and valid for a period of one year. The board also reserves the right to refuse to register an applicant if he/she fails to meet the prescribed conditions or may revoke and suspend the registration certificates. Such revocation or suspension may come in addition to other penalties under which the registered person is liable to under the act. However the act also allows for aggrieved parties to lodge their appeals with the minister for livestock and fisheries who may either dismiss the appeal or order the board to re-issue the certificate of registration, quash the revocation or suspension for any revocation or order the person to make a fresh application for the registration or license. Needless to say that in this environment where most of the 22 million head of cattle is kept in informal settings by nomadic pastoralists, it is almost impossible to register all milk producers. This calls for close collaboration between the dairy board and milk processors to supply them with accurate information on farmers from whom they collect milk. Finally the act provides for the establishment of the Dairy Industry Development Fund into which all money’s received by the dairy board shall be paid and out of which all payments required shall be made.
The Guardian KILIMO KWANZA
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Friday 27 May, 2011
FOOD SECURITY
KILIMO KWANZA DIRECTORY
WATER AND SANITATION
Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (DAWASA) – Tel: +255 22 276 0006
Dar es Salaam Water and Sewarage Corporation (DAWASCO) Tel: +255 22-2131191/4 Drilling and Dam Construction Agency (DDCA) Tel: +255 22 2410430/2410299 Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority Tel: +255 22 2123850, 22 2123853 Water and Environmental Sanitation Projects Maintenance Organization (WEPMO) Tel: +255 22 2410738, 716 099959 Ministry of Water Tel: +255 22 245 1448
INDUSTRY SUPPORT AND ASSOCIATIONS
Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) – Email: dg@sido.go.tz, info@sido.go.tz ANSAF - P.O. Box 6370, Dar es Salaam CNFA - info@cnfatanzania.org
Tractors Limited Cells: +255 784 421606, 786 150213
Consolidated Holdings Corporation (CHC) Tel: 255 (022) 2117988/9 Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) – Tel: +255 22 2863683/2863409 Export Processing Zones in Tanzania (EPZ) Tel: +255 22 2451827-9 Agricultural Economics Society of Tanzania (AGREST) – Tel. +255-23 260 3415
Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) Tel: +255 22 2122984-6 Tanzania Agriculture Partnership (TAP) Tel: +255 22 2124851
Tanzania Milk Processors Association (TAMPA) Tel: +255 222 450 426
Rural Livelihood Development Company (RLDC) Tel: +255 26 2321455
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EU Plants More Euros in Food Security
By Kilimo Kwanza Reporter
s the rising food prices continue to bite in the East African region, the European Union delegation has reaffirmed its readiness to continue assisting Tanzania enhance the food security of its people. Speaking to The Guardian Kilimo Kwanza last week, the Head of Delegation in the country Ambassador Tim Clarke said that beyond the overall Euro555million support earmarked for the country programme 2008-2013 , the EU continues to provide separate funding both to government and non State actors’ projects for promoting food security. The EU 70 million Euros aid for Agriculture in Tanzania covers Trade and Agriculture Support Programmes (Euro 25m), the sugar sector (Euro
13m), Food Facility grants (Euro 12 m) and Food Facility top up to General Budget Support (Euro 20m). Government collected the lion’s share of the extra Euro32million provided for increasing food security, bagging Euro20 million of it that went into the treasury, on the understanding that it is used as rapid response for mitigating rising food prices through provision of agricultural inputs, rehabilitation of seed farms, promotion of agricultural mechanization, rural agro-processing and household food storage. The Euro12 million scooped by the private sector and NGO operators went broadly to 8 recipient groups, with two and a half million Euros going to Mbeya and Rukwa regions through Farmers Groups Networks of Tanzania (MWIWATA) for the development of food crops wholesale market premises and building the local market stakeholders’ capabilities to use the refur-
bished structures efficiently. Over a million Euro has been given to Babati district through Food and Agriculture Marketing Research Management (FarmAfrica) where 46 farmers groups are to benefit from an improved marketing model for sesame. Another one million Euros was given to the French CIDR ("Centre International de Developpement et de Recherche") with his partner Pride Tanzania for improving microfinance services provision in Iringa, Morogoro, Arusha, Manyara, Tanga and Singida. The Tanzania Agricultural Partnership with the Agricultural Council of Tanzania bagged over one and a half million Euro to enhance food price stability in 13 districts of Songea Namutumbo, Mbarali, Mbeya, Kyela, Mbozi, Iringa Mufindi, Njombe, Kilombero Morogoro, Meru and Monduli. The organisations were ex-
pected to particulary develop the Warehouse Receipt System for those districts. The giant British charity Oxfam, was given a million Euros to improve irrigation and market access infrastructure in Shinyanga, while Oikos East Africa got one and a half million Euros for boosting household food security, nutrition and cash crop productivity in selected Maasai areas of Meru district. The Misindo training centre for sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry got a shot in the arm from the Euro 1.125m given to Cefa Onlus to combat food insecurity and improve provision of agricultural services in Kilolo and Namtumbo districts. Two million Euros was picked by Concern Worldwide which has for long been at work in rural Tanzania for mitigating the negative impacts of volatile food prices in poor households.
Tanzania Cotton Board Tel: +255 22 2122564, 2128347
Horticultural Development Council of Tanzania (HODECT) Cell: +255 789 222 344; Fax: +255 27254 4568 TATEECO Ltd – Tel: +255 784 427817 AGRO-PROCESSING ERTH Food - Tel: +255 22 2862040 MUKPAR Tanzania Ltd Tel: +255 28 250038/184
ASAS Diaries Limited - Tel: +255 26 2725200 Tanga Fresh – Tel +255 27 2644238 NatureRipe Kilimanjaro Limited Tel: +255 22 21 51457 EQUIPMENT Achelis Tanganyika Ltd +255 22 2700 760 or +255 784 300 084
National Service Corporation Sole (SUMAJKT) Cell: +255 717 993 874, 715 787 887 FINANCE Private Agricultural Sector Support (PASS) Tel: 023-3752/3758/3765 Community Bank Association Tel: +255 22 2123245
Bank of Tanzania P.O. Box 2939, Dar es Slaam,Tanzania AGRO-INPUTS Minjingu Mines & Fertilizers Ltd Tel: +255 27 253 9259 250 4679