Norges Vel Tanzania: Transforming Agriculture for a Sustainable Future in East and Southern Africa

By Juma Msafiri

Norges Vel Tanzania has been at the forefront of agricultural transformation in East and Southern Africa for over a decade. Founded in 1809 in Norway, Norges Vel began its international endeavors in 1978, bringing its experience and commitment to sustainable growth to Tanzania in 2007. With a focus on creating thriving local communities through agricultural development, Norges Vel is working to build a sustainable food sector that benefits both people and the planet.

Building a Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystem

Norges Vel Tanzania’s mission is to convert subsistence farmers into smallholder commercial farmers, driving rural wealth creation and fostering a resilient food sector. By enhancing the skills and capacities of local farmers, the organization is helping them achieve greater economic independence and stability. This approach is central to Norges Vel’s vision of creating sustainable communities where agriculture is not just a way of life but a source of prosperity and growth.

Innovative Approaches to Value Chain Development

At the heart of Norges Vel’s strategy in Tanzania is the development of modern agricultural value chains. The organization works closely with local partners to ensure that small-scale farmers are better positioned within these value chains, enabling them to access markets more effectively and negotiate fairer prices for their products. This comprehensive approach includes:

• Integrated Value Chain Support: Norges Vel undertakes thorough analyses of agricultural products’ journeys from farm to table. This includes optimizing every stage—from input sourcing and farming practices to harvesting, processing, and market access. In particular, Norges Vel emphasizes training in sustainable rice farming techniques, enhancing the quality of production from seed sowing to harvest. By improving post-harvest processing and market connections, Norges Vel helps farmers add value to their produce and access more lucrative markets.
• Strengthening Business Skills: Beyond farming, Norges Vel is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among farmers. The organization provides capacity-building support to help farmers establish and manage their own businesses, aiming for long-term financial sustainability. By promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within agricultural communities, Norges Vel ensures that economic benefits are retained locally, contributing to broader community development.
• Farmer Organization and Empowerment: Recognizing that individual farmers often struggle to scale their operations due to limited resources, Norges Vel encourages collective action. By organizing farmers into groups, Norges Vel facilitates access to capital, shared knowledge, and skills development. This collective approach not only enhances individual livelihoods but also strengthens the overall agricultural sector, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared growth.

Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals

Norges Vel Tanzania is committed to advancing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are central to its mission:

1. Zero Hunger: Through its work to improve agricultural practices, enhance nutrition, and ensure food security, Norges Vel is actively contributing to the eradication of hunger in the region.
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth: The organization promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth by creating decent work opportunities for all, particularly within rural communities.
3. Partnerships for the Goals: Recognizing that collaboration is key to sustainable development, Norges Vel actively seeks partnerships at various levels to amplify its impact and drive systemic change.

Driving Change Through Collaboration and Innovation

Norges Vel Tanzania’s success is built on its collaborative approach to development. Norges Vel ensures its initiatives align with local needs and global best practices by working hand-in-hand with local communities, government bodies, and international partners. The organization’s focus on innovation and sustainability is evident in its commitment to policy advocacy, capacity building, and creating inclusive economic opportunities.

Norges Vel Tanzania’s mission is to foster sustainable development in East and Southern Africa. By leveraging its expertise in value chain development, business support, and farmer empowerment, Norges Vel is helping to build a future where agriculture sustains communities and drives economic growth and environmental sustainability.

As Africa faces increasing challenges related to climate change, food security, and economic inequality, the work of organizations like Norges Vel Tanzania is more critical than ever. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local farmers, Norges Vel is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for all.