Tanzania and Norway Launch EUR 9.5 Million “Growing Together” Project to Empower Smallholder Farmers

November 6, 2024 – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

In a landmark event, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Agriculture (Cooperatives and Irrigation), Suleiman Serera, officially launched the Growing Together Project. This ambitious five-year project, funded by Norway through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) at a value of EUR 9.5 million (TZS 27.8 billion), is set to significantly boost Tanzania’s agricultural sector, particularly benefiting smallholder farmers, processors, and cooperatives across the regions of Dodoma, Iringa, Mbeya, and Morogoro.

The project, which emerged from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Governments of Tanzania and Norway, marks a significant chapter in the longstanding partnership between the two countries. It was catalyzed by Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to Norway in February 2024, where she underscored the need for development projects that empower local farmers and processors. This new initiative aligns with Tanzania’s 10/30 Agenda, aiming to foster economic resilience and sustainability.

A Vision of Economic Empowerment and Growth

Growing Together is designed to uplift approximately 60,000 smallholder farmers, 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and two key agricultural off-takers in Tanzania. The project specifically focuses on critical crops such as rice, maize, beans, and sunflower, which are staple foods and significant revenue sources in Tanzania. Its objectives encompass:

• Access to Affordable Credit: Providing low-interest loans to smallholder farmers and processors, addressing a critical barrier to scaling agricultural productivity.
• Support for Youth and Women Cooperatives: Strengthening cooperatives that include youth and women, bolstering their role in Tanzania’s agricultural landscape.
• Market Access for Farmers and Processors: Facilitating access to both local and international markets, which is essential for fair pricing and profitability.
• Addressing Key Challenges: Targeting issues such as low productivity, climate resilience, and the need for sustainable employment opportunities, especially for youth and women.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Sectoral Support

The partnership between Norway and Tanzania spans decades, built on shared goals of development, sustainability, and poverty reduction. Tanzania remains one of Norway’s 10 long-term development partners, with collaboration in areas such as private sector growth, renewable energy, fiscal management, and climate change adaptation.

In July 2024, Norway further demonstrated its commitment to Tanzania’s development by granting a total of US$ 38 million over five years to two leading NGOs: SNV (in collaboration with Farm Africa) and The Royal Norwegian Society for Development (in partnership with NORCAP). These grants support agricultural SMEs and bolster food production resilience for small-scale farmers, aiming to enhance food security and economic empowerment amid global climate challenges.

Additionally, Norway’s multilateral contributions to Tanzania support health, education, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid, including aid for approximately 300,000 refugees from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted within Tanzania’s borders.