THE Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) has embarked on a second phase of the Organic Value Chain Development Project (OVCD) aimed at advancing farmers’ skills in organic farming and enhance their participation in the value chain capitalizing on market opportunities.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday, SAT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Janet Maro highlighted the project’s objectives to educate farmers on organic farming techniques and facilitate their entry into global markets.

She said the initiative focuses on fostering sustainable practices, improving product quality and supporting the establishment of organic industries that meet both regional and international market demands.

She emphasized the importance of overcoming regulatory hurdles and ensuring compliance with market standards across Africa, the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Maro acknowledged the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in organic farming but expressed optimism in addressing these through collaborative efforts with relevant institutions. She underscored the health benefits of organic produce and its positive impact on environmental conservation.

To date, SAT has reached 150,000 farmers across 16 regions in Tanzania, leveraging farmer groups and local leaders to promote organic farming for improved food security and nutrition.

Maro also noted successful collaborations with Tanzanian companies to export organic products like spices to the European Union, thereby boosting income for local farmers.

“Our efforts in collaboration with other stakeholders, products from organic farming are spices such as bell peppers, basil, and others have been able to enter the European market and our fellow Tanzanians have been able to increase their income,” he said.

He said that increasing the value chain on organic agricultural products will also help the establishment of new small industries and reduce the employment problem for young people and women in this country.

Samson Swilla, Project Manager, outlined plans to empower 30 SMEs and 30 farmer groups through training and market access improvements in collaboration with the Tanzania Organic Agriculture Association (TOAM). He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the availability of organic products in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, with further expansion into other regions underway.

He noted that organic agriculture avoids harmful chemicals and pesticides, promoting both human health and environmental sustainability.

“The OVCD project aims to assist 1,000 farmers and 30 SMEs in obtaining organic certifications, facilitating easier access to Tanzanian and East African markets.”

The OVCD project aims to tackle challenges such as certification, market access, and standards in Tanzania’s organic farming sector, driving its growth and sustainability.

Avit Theophil, director of the Yes Group Company said the project will stimulate organic farming in Karagwe district, Kagera region hence increasing employment opportunities to youth and women.

He welcomed the project's role in enhancing product quality and awareness.

Johanna Omere, founder of 'I'm Organic' store, stressed the health benefits of organic foods, attributing certain diseases to the use of synthetic chemicals in conventional agriculture. She advocated for continued support for organic farming practices.