Posted on :Friday , 5th July 2024

Tanga, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by the Tanga City Council and the Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) to commercialize the spice sector in Tanga.

Taha CEO Ms. Jackie Mkindi and Executive Director of the Tanga City Council Dr. Frederick Sagamiko presented bold ideas to fortify this relationship during the signing event on July 2 in Arusha.

Offering substantial assistance to farmers and other parties involved in the horticultural value chains in Tanga and its neighbors is the main goal of this Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement intends to enable various parties to profit from the spice business by improving the cultivation, processing and marketing of their products.

The project will provide their goods more value, disseminate cuttingedge information on horticulture technology and techniques and facilitate access to local, regional and global markets.

The establishment of a horticulture Common Use Facility (HCUF) in Tanga City is the first milestone in this agreement.

Dr. Sagamiko made it clear, "Tanga City Council is completely devoted to executing its duties as laid out in this policy."

The Pingoni Industrial Area must provide at least five acres of land for the HCUF's construction as well as other uses, such as the establishment of a 100-acre commercial model farm, in order to fulfil this obligation.

Additionally, this land arrangement leaves space for future growth.  

The Tanga City Council has committed to providing a steady flow of energy and water to guarantee the facility's ability to continue operating.

Other responsibilities include managing the construction of a reliable and effective HCUF that is designed to meticulously fulfil its intended function.

Dr. Sagamiko referred to the deal as historic and emphasized its potential to transform the spice business and generate significant job opportunities for women, adolescents and individuals with disabilities.

Citing the industry's natural competitive advantages, he underlined the strategic significance of concentrating on the spice business.

"Many Tanga citizens have a rooted tradition in spice cultivation, making this an ideal time to convert indigenous knowledge into industrial success," stated Dr. Sagamiko.

To boost foreign exchange profits and boost the local economy, plans call for building a joint processing plant to prepare spices for export.

The city councils of Taha and Tanga are both hopeful that this historic deal will act as a pillar for Tanga's economic growth and establish future standards for partnerships in Tanzania's horticultural industry.

By working together on this project, they hope to fully realize the potential of the spice business and spread its advantages around the globe.

Taha established and operationalized the HCUF in Tanga City by utilizing its extensive experience and professional qualifications.  

"Taha will handle the whole structure to ensure successful oversight of the HCUF," Mkindi stated.

Additionally, in order to maximize the facility's advantages for farmers, processors and other stakeholders, the association will offer strategic counsel.

In addition, Taha will make the facility more accessible to women and youth, guaranteeing that everyone who is a part of the agreement benefits.

Taha will concentrate on improving post-harvest loss control and spice value addition, using cutting-edge technologies and guaranteeing environmental standards compliance while tackling the effects of climate change through USAID's $24 million Tuhifadhi Chakula Project.

By involving women and young people, the partnership hopes to transform the spice business and promote an inclusive economy.

Ms. Mkindi reaffirmed Taha's commitment to sending agronomists to help growers of spices adopt improved farming techniques for increased yields.  

Furthermore, Taha will assist farmers from the point of production to market access with funding from Sida.

In order to advance the regional horticultural sector, Ms. Mkindi praised the Tanga City Council for selecting Taha as a strategic partner.

Deputy Mayor of the Tanga City Council, Ms. Rehema Mhina, reiterated her ardent endorsement of the collaboration, projecting a revolution in the spice sector.

She mentioned the possibility of creating jobs, focusing especially on women and young people. Additionally, Ms. Mhina promised to support these groups with soft loans to further promote economic empowerment and growth, backed by the council's 10% allocation.