Feed the Future Tanzania Mboga na Matunda Monthly Update: August 2021

The activity aims to increase the competitiveness and inclusiveness of the horticulture subsector in Tanzania, while improving the nutritional status of Tanzanians. Key objectives include scaling improved technologies and practices to increase productivity among smallholders, particularly women and youth, and scaling market system models to reach vulnerable populations. The activity has made significant progress in the Mbeya region, where it has partnered with the Government Extension Officers to disseminate program activities. A total of 119 Government Extension Officers are working with the project, with 40 of these officers based in Mbeya and Songwe. These officers provide farming knowledge, link farmers with services such as input services, access to markets, and credit and finance services. During a visit to the region on August 21st, 2021, US Ambassador Dr. Donald J. Wright and his delegates visited the home garden plot of Mr. and Mrs. Ambokile Greek in Nsalaga, Mbeya. The Greek's farm produces 18 different nutrient-rich crops, including red cabbage, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes, and onions, which they supply to local markets. Ambassador Wright was impressed with the activity's implementation in the region and commended the partnerships and collaboration that have enabled the activity to reach out to many beneficiaries. The FTFT-MnM activity has used a market systems approach to deliver good agricultural practices, technologies, and nutrition education to its beneficiaries. As a result, more than 740,000 individuals, including farmers, have been reached and have benefited from activity interventions. The activity has also strengthened the overall capacity of the industry, improving the competitiveness and inclusiveness of the horticulture subsector in Tanzania. The visit by Ambassador Wright was attended by Mbeya District Commissioner Dr. Rashid Chuachua, accompanied by the AAS-Economic Said Maditto and the Agriculture City Director (ACD), Gregory Emmanuel. Dr. Chuachua commended the US government's support to smallholder farmers in Tanzania and the efforts to liberate Tanzanians from poverty through horticulture farming activities. The event also included other attendees, including City Agriculture & Irrigation Officer Mr. Erick Mvati, Ward Extension officer Williard Mtindo, Ward Executive Officer Salma Mchangila, and other partners who work with FTFT-MnM in the region.