SAGCOT 2020 Annual Report: Navigating Challenges and Sustaining Growth in Tanzanian Agriculture

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) has unveiled its 2020 Annual Report, detailing a year characterized by resilience and sustained growth amidst global challenges. The report reflects SAGCOT’s commitment to advancing agricultural development in Tanzania, highlighting key financial achievements and the impact on smallholder farmers.

Financial Growth Amidst Global Challenges: In a remarkable display of resilience, SAGCOT reported a substantial increase in annual farming revenue for farmers associated with SCL-facilitated partners. The annual farming revenue escalated from TZS 99,081,795,092.20 in 2019 to TZS 435,114,618,765 in 2020, indicating a 77% increase in sales from commodities produced in the year​​. This growth occurred despite the unprecedented global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the robustness of Tanzania’s agricultural sector and the effectiveness of SAGCOT’s strategies.

Impact on Smallholder Farmers: The report highlighted the significant reach of SAGCOT’s initiatives among smallholder farmers. In 2020, a total of 7,433 smallholder farmers and 90 extension officers in the Ihemi and Mbarali Clusters were sensitized on the essence of liming, an essential practice for soil health improvement​​. This outreach is a testament to SAGCOT’s continuous efforts to enhance the capacity and knowledge of farmers, thereby boosting productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic: The global outbreak of COVID-19 posed significant challenges to the agricultural sector, impacting the operations and movement of agribusiness goods and services. SAGCOT, along with its partners, had to navigate these challenges, adjusting strategies and operations to maintain the momentum of growth and support for the agricultural community. The pandemic’s impact was particularly felt in limited access to veterinary services for poultry, a critical component of the livestock value chain.

Conclusion: The SAGCOT 2020 Annual Report paints a picture of a sector that has not only weathered the storm of a global pandemic but also emerged stronger, showcasing the resilience and potential of Tanzania’s agricultural sector. The report underscores SAGCOT’s role as a catalyst in transforming agriculture in Tanzania, driving growth, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers even in the most challenging times. As SAGCOT continues its mission into the future, its adaptability, and commitment to sustainable development remain key to further successes in Tanzania’s agricultural journey.