Agriculture

Tanzania‘s economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for 45% of gross domestic product, 80% of employment and 30% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. About 85% of country’s poor live in rural areas and rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. However, the sector is underdeveloped due to a weakly developed private sector, agricultural marketing policies which are fragmented and prone to political interference, and poorly managed infrastructure. Restricted access to profitable markets locks in the majority of farmers in subsitsence level activities where many earn less than US$1 a day. Development of the sector is critical in efforts to generate income, create employment, reduce and, ultimately, eradicate poverty in the country. 

In this context SNV Tanzania focuses on the development of the agricultural sector to foster economic development and poverty reduction. Our focus is on the development of the value chains of red meat, dairy, edible oilseeds (sunflower and sesame), and staple food (rice). These value chains have been selected because of the large outreach in terms number of households engaged in production, and potential for increased income and employment. Our services include: promoting Inclusive Business arrangements between small holders and larger enterprises, providing impact investment advisory services, knowledge development and networking, and facilitating alliances for industry voice and evidence based advocacy.

Read more about SNV & Agriculture