Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO SAGCOT Centre: Transformative Impact of Farm For the Future on Tanzania’s Agricultural Landscape

Kilimokwanza.org is excited to share an inspiring piece from the Farm for the Future (FFF) Weekly News 27/2024 – July 01, 2024, which spotlights SAGCOT’s CEO, Geoffrey Kirenga, who is recognized as one of the exceptional Ambassadors of Farm For the Future (FFF). He has penned an op-ed highlighting the significant strides made by FFF in transforming Tanzania’s agricultural landscape. In this special feature, Kirenga shares insights on the remarkable achievements of Farm For the Future (FFF) in boosting agricultural productivity, improving food security, reducing poverty, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO SAGCOT Centre: “Farm for the Future (FFF) is not just a partner but a standout contributor to the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Initiative. It sets a high standard in tackling crucial issues like food security, nutrition, inclusive development, and climate-smart agriculture, particularly through its innovative soil health initiatives. It is a true example of a food system transformational investment in Tanzania. 

FFF, in collaboration with renowned SAGCOT partners like SEEDCO, HZPC, and YARA, has not just made progress but also made significant strides in seed production. From maize to potato seeds, FFF’s efforts, which include the use of lime from Dodoma Cement and fertilizers from YARA, have firmly established it as a leading producer in Tanzania. The seeds are now sown by thousands of Tanzanian farmers, making a substantial contribution to the nation’s food security.

FFF’s commitment goes beyond seed production; it’s about people. It actively involves around 2,000 local farmers, providing them with hands-on training in good agricultural practices, with a strong focus on soil health and agronomy. The impact on these farmers is not just significant; it’s life-changing. They have become an integral part of the FFF community and trusted neighbours. Their children are also reaping the benefits, learning about agriculture as a fulfilling and nourishing vocation. This initiative has nurtured some of the happiest young farmers in Tanzania.

Moreover, FFF’s work with young single mothers is particularly noteworthy. By empowering these mothers with agricultural knowledge and raising awareness about their rights and those of their children, FFF helps them navigate the challenges of motherhood and succeed in demanding environments. The milk goat initiative, in particular, has been transformational, significantly improving the lives of many mothers.

SAGCOT and the Government of Tanzania take immense pride in these achievements. FFF’s positive impact extends from Ilula Village in Kilolo District to farmers across the Iringa region and beyond. The recently inaugurated YARA Knowledge Centre will further enhance this impact by providing smallholder farmers and extension workers from surrounding villages and countries with excellence in production techniques.

In upcoming discussions, I will delve into FFF’s latest initiative, the introduction of macadamia nuts, which promises to be another significant milestone in its transformative journey.”

In the meantime, the same newsletter reported the latest updates on this year’s harvest season, highlighting significant progress and promising yields for various crops. This year’s harvest showcases the collaborative efforts and innovative practices driving Tanzania’s agricultural success.

Promising Harvest Highlights

The harvest season has begun with remarkable results, particularly for seed potatoes and sugar beans.

Seed Maize:

• Area Planted: 230 hectares
• Area Harvested so far: 32.5 hectares
• Yields: Not yet quantified

Seed Potatoes:

• Area Planted: 17 hectares
• Area Harvested so far: 17 hectares
• Yields: 438.3 tonnes

Sugar Beans:

• Area Planted: 63 hectares
• Area Harvested so far: 63 hectares
• Yields: 61.6 tonnes

The initial data indicate a bountiful season. Seed potatoes have yielded an impressive 438.3 tonnes, and sugar beans have produced 61.6 tonnes, covering their entire planted areas. While the yield for seed maize is still being quantified, the harvested area of 32.5 hectares out of 230 hectares planted shows a strong start.