Updates

Potatoes are a major crop grown in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Despite being a primary source of income for many smallholder farmers, their production has faced numerous challenges due to climate change, leading to higher production costs. These challenges include delayed or shortened rainfall seasons, pests, and diseases, leading to higher production costs.

Emmanuel Bizumungu of Wageningen University and Research and Dr John Recha of AICCRA, together with scholars, Ruerd Ruben and Robert Sparrow, examine the agri-food value chain approach as a mechanism for transforming food systems and alleviating poverty.

The CRAFT team recently converged in Mbale, Uganda to reflect on their work in the three countries- Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and share the valuable learnings they have gathered. The team, comprising CRAFT members from SNV, Agriterra, Wageningen University and Research, and AICCRA, also discussed the focus areas for the next six months.

Zena Hekili, a 43-year-old woman residing in the serene Likuyu Seka village, nestled within the Namtumbo district of Ruvuma region, Tanzania. Zena, a devoted farmer, discovered her fascination for sunflower cultivation when she realized the myriad of health benefits of sunflower-derived cooking oil. Scientifically proven to contain valuable ingredients beneficial for overall well-being, sunflower became her newfound passion.

In Uganda, smallholder farmers face the daunting challenges of climate change and limited agricultural services. Among them, Alito Joint Farmers’ Cooperative, situated in Northern Uganda's Kole District, struggled with low production and losses caused by climate-related shocks. Their difficulties in accessing essential agro-inputs, inadequate storage facilities, and fluctuating market prices hindered their ability to meet market demand.