The Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania (MVIWATA) on 21^st October 2020 has had the opportunity to submit its recommendations to the Government Planning and Budget Planning Committee.

The session was held at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) following the Committee’s Invitation to MVIWATA.

In addition to submitting the proposals, MVIWATA delegation also presented to the Committee various activities carried out by institution including connecting smallholder farmers in groups and networks, capacity building in the fields of production, marketing, financial services, various economic activities, training and legal affairs.

The MVIWATA delegation led by its Executive Director Mr, Stephen Ruvuga expressed special thanks to the Organizing Committee of the Government Planning and Budgeting Committee for recognizing the importance of the National Network of Smallholder Farmers Institution in Tanzania (MVIWATA) to participate in this important and unique process to make its recommendations on issues affecting the well-being of smallholder farmers and the Nation as a whole.

The Organizing Committee of the Government Planning and Budget Guidelines received the Recommendations made and commended the MVIWATA for being a solid model of the voices of smallholder farmers in the country since its inception.

The committee promised to continue to provide more co-operation in the next steps, including providing an opportunity for MVIWATA to make recommendations and comments on various forums affecting the interests of smallholder farmers in the country in Government Planning and Budget.

“THE FARMER’S DEFENDER IS THE FARMER”.

Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania – MVIWATA held a national symposium of World Food Day on 16^th October 2020 at Mtwara region, Masasi District, in Chiwale village where more than 200 smallholder farmers and members of MVIWATA attended the event.

World Food Day (WFD) which is observed on the 16th of October every year is celebrated in many countries and commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations established in 1945. As the Food and Agriculture Organization marks 75 years since its establishment, it has chosen “Grow, nourish, sustain together. Our actions are our future.” as the 2020 World Food Day theme.

In MVIWATA, the focus was on the promotion of locally grown fresh nutritious crops, fruits and vegetables. The overall objectives were to make awareness on the importance of local seed exchange by smallholder farmers, Cook and eat locally grown foods, reveal the results of research on the effectiveness of indigenous systems of productions versus the conventional means, Observance of farmers’ demonstration plots and promotion of activities pertaining to sustainable food and nutrition sovereignty on aspects of environmental conservation and income generation.

The meeting was also attended by a guest of honor who is the Executive Director of Masasi District. Other local government officers and leaders also attended the forum.

In commemorating a World Food Day 2020 MVIWATA also held a special radio program at MVIWATA FM 106.7 The program focused on discussing the concepts of food sovereignty and food production systems that are farmers’ centred and oriented and that meets the needs of the farmers and consumers.  The special radio program was attended by students from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) who are doing field practical trainings at MVIWATA. The other participants were MVIWATA staffs

Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania – MVIWATA commemorated Nyerere Day by conducting a one day dialogue at MVIWATA Head Office in Morogoro Municipal. Smallholder farmers and members of MVIWATA from 9 regions namely Mbeya, Tanga, Mtwara, Njombe, Iringa, Dodoma, Morogoro, Manyara, and Pwani gathered to exchange and discuss Mwalimu Nyerere’s life, 21 years since he left on 14 October 1999.

Sabatho Nyamsenda a lecturer from University of Dar es salaam and Dr. Joachim A Mwami from Jordan University College were guest speakers, the commemoration also had representatives from Tanzania Socialist Forum (TASOFO) of whom Ms, Christina Mfanga a General Secretary of the forum and Ms, Faria a member of TASOFO attended.  

The presentations from guest speakers were literally “lessons from Arusha Declaration and its relevance to Tanzanians today” by Mwl, Sabatho Nyamsenda and Rural Development as a major means of building a national economy by Dr. Joachim A Mwami.

While giving introductory remarks of the commemoration, MIWATA Executive Director Mr, Stephen Ruvuga said it is hard to believe that 21 years has passed ever since Mwalimu and father of the nation left. He added that it is MVIWATA’s norm to commemorate iconic leaders of our nation pointing the recent MVIWATA’s commemoration of late Prime Minister of Tanzania Edward M. Sokoine who passed away in 1984.

MVIWATA Chairperson Mr, Abdul Gea while opening the commemoration said it is an honour for the largest farmers’ organisation in Tanzania (MVIWATA) to remember and dialogue on the life of our father of the nation Mwl, Julius K. Nyerere who worked tirelessly to fight for the independence of our nation, the rights of workers and smallholder producers and unite the citizens beyond the lines of tribe, religion and race.

Mr, Sabatho started his presentation by reminding participants on the defiant history of Mwl, Nyerere during his childhood, and his attitude against domestic exploitative systems. Mr, Sabatho said that Nyerere’s chance to go to school was attributed by his successive wins on local games popularly known us (bao). “Mwl, Nyerere was not only a blessings to we Tanzanians but to the whole world as well”, said Mr, Sabatho.

He further added that one of the greatest gifts Mwl, Nyerere left us with was The Arusha Declaration of 1967. The Arusha declaration is the most radical policy ever produced that aimed to protect the interests of the working class in Tanzania said Mr Sabatho. He said the Arusha declaration was the result of continuous complaints by citizens who claimed that the fruits of independence that Mwl, Nyerere promised during the struggle for independence was not evident and had no manifestation to the working class’s day to day life except for the few government officials. “It is for these grounds that Mwl, Nyerere drafted the Arusha Declaration”.

“We have been oppressed a great deal, we have been exploited a great deal and we have been disregarded a great deal. It is our weakness that has led to our being oppressed, exploited and disregarded. Now we want a revolution – a revolution which brings an end to our weakness, so that we are never again exploited, oppressed, or humiliated” quoted Mr, Sabatho a section of policy of self-reliance of the Arusha Declaration.

Mr, Sabatho added that there has been several declarations developed since the Arusha declaration of 1967, but all of them says nothing about the fundamental rights of the working class of which are absence of exploitation, ownership of the major means of production and exchange are under the control of the peasants and workers and lastly the existence of democracy.

The next presentation was made by Dr. Joachim A Mwami, who spoke on the role of rural development as a major means of building a national economy. Dr Mwami emphasized on the role of the government to provide social services recalling back during his old days when he was a student at the University of Dar es salaam where the government provided them with all basic needs without student’s contributions as it is today.

Dr. Mwami also reminded the audience to denounce the barbaric and imperialistic moves and actions as they manifest themselves in our day to day lives in all spheres and walks of life. The audience shared their experiences and realities which also revealed the need for the government to formulate policies, laws and regulation that addresses the needs and wants of the people.

In giving his conclusive remarks, MVIWATA chairperson Mr Abdul Gea said MVIWATA will continue holding such commemorations given its importance to the current generations who seems to be less informed of the philosophy and principles of the initiatives of the late Mwl Nyerere and other iconic leaders.

Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania – MVIWATA effected a three 3 days training to 34 participants representatives from seventeen (17) Savings and Credit Co-Operative Society (SACCOS) under MVIWATA in Morogoro region, two (2) participants from each SACCOS. These were Hembeti, Mvomero, Langali, Kikeo, Mlali, Lukwangule and Nyandira SACCOS from Mvomero District, Kinole, Juhudi, Matombo, Tawa and Ngerengere SACCOS from Morogoro rural District and lastly Rudewa, Dumila, Ilonga, Mkombozi and Malolo SACCOS from Kilosa District.

The training was effected at MVIWATA Headquarters with a facilitation of MVIWATA Staffs and Co-operative Officers from the three Districts. The overall objective of the training was to build capacity of SACCOS leaders on how to effectively manage registering their SACCOS to the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) online system, procedures for license acquisition and the required documents for registration.

The first two days of training were used for conducting training to SACCOS leaders on how to effectively manage registering their SACCOS to the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) system, procedure for license acquisition and the required documents for registration. Also the in-depth understanding on the credit policy, disaster policy, accounting and finance policy, management policy and strategic plan of the SACCOS as the basic requirements for SACCOS registration.

The third day of the training was used for a feedback meeting of the evaluation conducted by MVIWATA on the challenges facing microfinance services. The training also conducted a discussion on how to revive Morogoro rural and Mvomero Financial Services Co-operative (MOMFISECO) through an in-depth discussion on its history, reasons for its demise and put in place strategies to revive MOMFISECO. The training is expected to successfully facilitate online registration of SACCOS’s of Morogoro into BOT system and also put in place strategies to revive MOMFISECO.

Speaking during the closure of the three days training, MVIWATA Executive Director Mr. Stephen Ruvuga said for years MVIWATA has been putting in place strategies to ensure that smallholder farmers initiate, and operate microfinance services that serves their needs accordingly. He further reminded the participants on how these microfinance services including co-operatives played a crucial role during the struggle for independence and education provision to community members belonging to these co-operatives citing examples of Karagwe District Co-operative Union (KDCU) of Kagera region and Kilimanjaro Native Co-operative Union (KNCU) of Kilimanjaro region.

He further added that by realizing such important contributions of Co-operatives and farmers managed microfinance services, MVIWATA is facilitating a research study regarding co-operatives that will reveal the current situation of the Co-operatives in Tanzania and provide recommendations for further actions. He urged the participants to value the resources used for their training and provide candid feedbacks to fellow members in respective SACCOS. He added that efforts are in place to ensure all SACCOS’s working with MVIWATA country-wide are provided with the same training.

He then welcomed Head of Finance and Administration Mr. Ezekiel Emmanuel and Head of Program Ms. Theodora Pius who both insisted on trustworthy as a precious tool in managing SACCOS services and that SACCOS can transform the rural communities positively if used correctly with a close cooperation from government authorities.

A representative of the trainees gave his remarks on behalf of the participants of which he thanked MVIWATA for facilitating the training. He said without efforts by MVIWATA it could have been impossible for SACCOS’s to have a know-how in registering their SACCOS’s to the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) online system. He then added that as SACCOS leaders they will do whatever possible to revive MOMFISECO which was a reliable solution for smallholder farmers in need of financial services in Morogoro.“MTETEZI WA MKULIMA NI MKULIMA MWENYEWE”

Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania (MVIWATA) effected an eight (8) days training to 80 members of village council and ward tribunal and 100 smallholder farmers and members of MVIWATA in seven villages of Kiteto district namely Magungu, Nhati, Emarti, Orkine, Logoeti and Ngusero sudani in Manyara region. Prior to the commencement of the training, the delegation from MVIWATA paid a courtesy visit to Kiteto District Commissioner Hon, Tumain Magessa for greetings and consultations.

The rationale of the training was to provide legal education to smallholder farmers on Land Acquisition, Women Land Rights, Land Disposition and Dispute Settlement Systems with the aim of creating awareness and knowledge on land rights, obligation and how to access justice system.

Of recent years, land disputes have been increasing dramatically day after day. This has been atributed by several factors such as lack of proper education, awareness, and access to legal opinion that could give smallholder farmers direction on how to get justice in the system. In recognition of this problem MVIWATA has been organising varoius training to smallholder farmers so that they know their land rights and claim them effectively.

During the eight days of training facilitated by MVIWATA legal officers at MVIWATA Hall, Magungu village, Kiteto District the training specifically focused to provide education and awareness to smallholder farmers and members of village council and ward tribunal on land policies and laws, provision of legal opinion to the community on land related challenges, provision of education on gender equality on land issues, provision of knowledge on legal aid hub initiative of MVIWATA and lastly provision of legal aid to smallholder farmers.

Various methodologies were employed in effecting this training such as legal education through presentations, discussions and presentations by smallholder farmers, group works, and presentation of land issues by smallholder farmers from their villages, presentation of MVIWATA legal aid hub service and lastly provision of legal opinion through private consultations.

Trainings on land laws and policies and legal aid services to smallholder farmers are part of the strategies of MVIWATA that ensures smallholder farmers have knowledge and awareness on issues related to land security.  With this awareness smallholder producers will be able to defend and claim their land rights effectively for their livelihoods and the community at large.

As a smallholder farmers’ membership organisation, Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania – MVIWATA constantly strategize several plans and activities aiming to achieve its mission of uniting smallholder farmers in groups and networks in order to protect their interests through capacity development, facilitating communication and advocacy on policies and systems.

Portrayed picture (s) is an on-going membership mobilisation and sensitization activity in Mbangamawe village, Gumbiro ward in Madaba District Ruvuma region. MVIWATA’s strategies, plans and initiatives are only possible through having organized and united members who are principled towards common established goals.

Therefore, it is obligatory for each member of MVIWATA to mobilize and sensitize fellow smallholder farmers and petty producers to join the movement under the national umbrella of MVIWATA in order to achieve our common established goals. Membership sensitization and mobilization activities are effected countrywide by MVIWATA members and staffs.

“THE DEFENDER OF THE FARMER IS A FARMER”

Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) or Public Expenditure Tracking System (PETS) is a process of constructive engagement between organized citizens and government in checking the conduct and performance of public services as they use public resources to deliver such services, improve community welfare, and protect people’s rights. 

Through SAM/PETS processes, smallholder farmers are connected to their government. The process sustains their meaningful participation in decision-making that affects their most immediate needs, especially in agriculture, health, education and community infrastructure (water, electricity common markets).

To build understanding of advocacy skills to smallholder farmers and members of MVIWATA through SAM/PETS, Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania – MVIWATA organised a four days trainings in five districts in mid-August 2020. The trainings were conducted in Kongwa Dodoma region, Mbozi in Songwe Region, Momba in Songwe region, Kalambo in Rukwa region and Songea rural in Ruvuma region.

The trainings had more than 250 smallholder farmers’ members of MVIWATA as participants as well as government officers including District Commissioners (DCs), District Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperative Officers (DAICOs), District Planning Officers (DPOs) and village leaders.

The SAM/PETS trainings were facilitated by MVIWATA Staffs and members in one side and Government Officers on the other side. The trainings featured theoretical understanding of the principles of SAM/PETS, Its processes, constitutional basis of doing SAM/PETS and budget analysis of respective districts in agriculture sector.

In the practical aspects, participants of the trainings identified projects to be tracked, held meetings with village/ward leaders, went through SAM/PETS processes of the projects identified in collaboration with village and ward leaders in the respective villages and wards.

Projects identified and tracked were those in agriculture sector (irrigation, common markets, seeds and extension services and warehouses), health sector, community infrastructures (roads, water, electricity) and education sector. Upon completion of the trainings and tracking of projects exercises, consultative meetings were held in respective district council offices for feedback and recommendations provision.

Trainings on SAM/PETS by MVIWATA contributes to advancing smallholder farmers welfare—that is, the improvement of more than just the lives of individuals farmers and families but that of the entire community, and ultimately, the nation at large. In the same way, SAM/PETS trainings as an advocacy tool for smallholder farmers reinforces basic human rights as per Tanzania constitution, that is the right to be heard, the right to expression, the right to association, and, the right to negotiate for change. 

Smallholder farmers who constitute more than 70 percent in Tanzania have a direct stake in the allocation and use of public resources, and thus are inherently motivated to participate in the government’s decision-making processes.

MVIWATA’s mission is to unite smallholder farmers in groups and networks in order to protect their interests through capacity development, facilitating communication and advocacy on policies and systems. Its strategic goal number 2 aims to capacitate small scale farmers to have control of sustainable production system. In line with this goal SAM/PETS trainings as an advocacy tool to smallholder farmers is part of advocacy strategies of MVIWATA in achieving the strategic goal number two and its mission.

“THE DEFENDER OF THE FARMER IS A FARMER”

It was a one day constitutional annual meeting of more than 700 smallholder farmers, members of MVIWATA Kilimanjaro regional branch in the northern part of Tanzania that took place on 13th August 2020. Held at Bomang’ombe, KKKT Conference hall, alongside members of MVIWATA, Kilimanjaro branch, the meeting also welcomed smallholder farmers from Arusha, Tanga and Manyara. Also media, regional and district government officials and stakeholders from Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI) and Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU).

With the annual meeting agendas on the table that included submission and approval of work plans, submission of implementation reports before the members, the meeting also had an intensive discussion on two important matters, one being, literally, “The role of smallholder farmers in electing good leaders for 2020 general election” facilitated by Sabatho Nyamsenda and the second one being “New Microfinance Regulations in Tanzania and its Implications to Smallholder Farmers” facilitated by Hai District Co-operative Officer Mr Swai Erasto.

The meeting was attended by Regional Commissioner (RC) for Kilimanjaro as a Guest of Honour through his representative Mr David Lekei a District Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperative Officer (DAICO) for Hai District. Mr Lucas Laiser a MVIWATA Chairman for Kilimanjaro regional branch while welcoming the RC said “nothing shall knock down the power of united and organised group, be it challenges on inputs, prices and markets or land conflicts”.

In his foreword, the RC commended smallholder farmers for their massive participation to the meeting and in joining hands with their fellow smallholder producers nationwide under the national umbrella of MVIWATA. Mr David Lekei also acknowledged the commendable work done by MVIWATA in bringing together smallholder farmers through their producer groups and networks in protecting their interests through capacity development, facilitating communication and advocacy on policies and systems.

Mr Stephen Ruvuga a MVIWATA Executive Director said during the meeting that smallholder farmers faces a number of challenges be it on inputs or markets, land or climate change. He further added that such challenges including many more can easily be addressed when those affected comes together with one strong voice, unity and solidarity under the national umbrella of smallholder farmers in Tanzania which is MVIWATA.

Mr Ruvuga reminded the participants of the meeting on the words said by Prime Minister of Tanzania Hon Kassim Majaliwa during the commemoration of 25 years of MVIWATA at Jamhuri Stadium Morogoro on October 2^nd 2018 when he represented His Excellency John P. Magufuli the President of United Republic of Tanzania that “MVIWATA shall be the voice of smallholder farmers in Tanzania and the challenges smallholder farmers face should be well coordinated by MVIWATA to be effectively addressed by the government in collaboration with MVIWATA”.

About the presentation themed “New Microfinance Regulations in Tanzania and its Implications to Smallholder Farmers” facilitated by Hai District Co-operative Officer Mr Swai Erasto, members of MVIWATA had a number of contributions including stating the obvious non participation or rather minimal participation of smallholder producers who are the affected group by the enacted law.

Farmers said the law did not contextualize the realities of microfinance services mostly the Village Community Bank (VICOBA) of which most of them are basically non-business services to be required to obtain a formal license with annual fees from the Central Bank.

In his presentation Mr Sabatho a faculty member from University of Dar es salaam urged smallholder producers to campaign strongly their agendas during the general election 2020. He further said candidates in line with smallholder producers agendas are the ones to be supported while paying close attention to the progress of implementation of the agendas.

Citing numerous examples of countries where the working class mobilized themselves in unity and solidarity, Mr Sabatho said they finally managed to put in power their candidates. He added that such achievements are impossible without unity and solidarity.

“The war between grasshoppers is the happiness of crow” said Mr Sabatho to the enthusiastic members of MVIWATA during the meeting indicating that misunderstanding and disunity among them benefits none of them but those exploiting their sweats and resources.

The meeting finally ended with the submission and approval of annual regional plan that was approved by the members. The plans mostly focused on capacity building of MVIWATA members on advocacy, leadership, microfinance services and production issues. Also market linkage for the produce of smallholder farmers, enhanced communication of producer groups and networks strengthening as well as membership mobilisation were integral part of the meeting.

“THE DEFENDER OF THE FARMER IS A FARMER”.

Nane Nane Day which refers to the Agricultural Exhibition, is a one-week fair that takes place every year from 1^st – 8^th August in varying locations of Tanzania. Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition, gathers farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to showcase farmers’ indigenous technologies, crops, livestock, ideas, discoveries and alternative solutions concerning the agricultural sector. Nane Nane is a fair where farmers, government and private firms present their services and activities to the public.

To celebrate this important day, Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania (MVIWATA) participated effectively at all levels including zonal, regional, district, ward and village. MVIWATA members’ booths were present at John Mwakangale Stadium in Mbeya, Julius Nyerere grounds Morogoro and at Nyakabindi grounds Simiyu where national exhibitions were held.

The slogan for Nane Nane farmers’ exhibitions 2020, literally translates as “For the Development of Agriculture, Fishery and Livestock, Elect Good Leaders 2020”.

While finding market for their produces, smallholder farmers and members of MVIWATA had an opportunity to showcase their esteemed indigenous knowledge on crop production, livestock keeping, fishing, products, as well as traditional dances.

MVIWATA booths attracted hundreds of participants in areas where exhibitions were organized including Chanzuru ward Kilosa district, Nchombe Kilombero district, Mkoka Kongwa disrtrict, Liwale district, Mpandangindo, Songea rural district, Esuguta Kiteto district, Mbarali district and Nyandira ward Mvomero district, Liputu Ndanda Mtwara region, Mwanza region and Shinyanga region. For a second consecutive year , while MVIWATA participates at zonal Nane Nane exhibitions, it also primarily organize intensively Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions at grassroots level (wards and villages) to enhance wider participation of smallholder producers.

Various government officials visited MVIWATA stalls to learn the initiatives, crops and experiences of smallholder farmers while also learning the challenges they face in production systems used. The Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Hon, Abdallah Ulega accompanied by Temeke District Commissioner Hon, Godwin Gondwe were among many seen to have visited MVIWATA stalls.

Organizing and participating at Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions by members of MVIWATA every year at all levels is part of the strategies of MVIWATA to ensure smallholder farmers have access to markets while also showcasing their produces, exchanging knowledge and opportunities and strengthening communications among themselves for their interests.

 “THE DEFENDER OF A FARMER IS A FARMER”

All land in Tanzania is public land vested in the President as trustee on behalf of all citizens. Land laws in Africa mostly debunk the idea of ownership. Land is a natural endowment that can neither be bought nor sold.

Land tenure system in Tanzania is not based on ownership but on use and access. Since Tanzanians have common rights to land, communal rights override individual rights, which are subsumed to the overall communal good.

In order to ensure proper management, it is necessary to maintain a good land adminstration system and management. It is important to know how much land is occupied by whom and for what purposes and how much land is still left out for further development.

To effectively ensure the security for use and access of the land by smallholder farmers, Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania (MVIWATA) in collaboration with the government authorities of Nyasa District, Ruvuma region had an exercise of sensitizing and providing awareness to smallholder farmers on the importance of customary certificates of rights of occupancy (CCRO).

During the inception of the project, MVIWATA staffs and leaders paid a visit and met with the District Commissioner for Nyasa District Hon, Isabella Chilumba who was accompanied with government officers responsible for land administration.

While giving description of the project before the District Commissioner, Ms Laika Haji, Coordinator for MVIWATA Ruvuma branch said, in collaboration with the government officials the project is being implemented in three villages of Mpepo ward, Nyasa District. She further added that the project will later be extended to villages of Mkali A, Lipingo and Nkalachi of Nyasa District as well as in other Districts.

Tanzania is a country made up largely of smallholder farmers, pastoralists and a few big farmers. Provision of Customary Certificates of Rights of Occupancy (CCROs) ensures that numerous smallholder farmers and pastoralists who constitute the majority of the country’s population are not made landless.

Ensuring smallholder farmers have access and in control of land through provision of CCROs in collaboration with government officials is part of the strategies of MVIWATA to implement its strategic Goal One of “Enhanced land security to smallholder farmers”. To date, MVIWATA has enabled provision of 1769 CCROs to smallholder farmers in Ruvuma region.

As per Mwalimu Nyerere land is one of the four pillars of Tanzania’s development philosophy, which are people, land, good policies and good leadership, the participatory land administration and management through provision of CCROs promotes the best use of land so that land as an investment resource can make the maximum contribution to the country’s development process while avoiding conflicts and misunderstanding.

“THE DEFENDER OF A FARMER IS A FARMER”

MVIWATA FM Radio Station has officially kicked off broadcasting live from 106.7, MHz Morogoro, Tanzania. Owned by Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania (MVIWATA), MVIWATA FM is a 24 Hours Radio Station that broadcasts primarily in Swahili and caters to the issues of smallholder producers, news and entertainment aspirations of a rural and urban Tanzania audience.

Located at MVIWATA Headquarters, Bigwa Area, Along Dar-es-salaam road, Off Junction to Matombo, Morogoro Municipal, MVIWATA FM radio station slogan goes by “VOICE OF THE VOICELESS”.  

Speaking during inception session of MVIWATA FM radio programs, MVIWATA Executive Director, Mr Stephen Ruvuga said the radio is unique in terms of in-depth analysis of news, stories and entertainments which will also include news of proletariats, books, youth, women, disabled and children programs.

He also made it clear that because MVIWATA FM radio station belongs to the working class (farmers, pastoralists and fisher folks), MVIWATA FM will also have ample time to air out programs on matters related their issues. This includes discussions and provision of information on prices and markets for crops.

Other programs to be featured by MVIWATA FM radio station includes solidarity messages and news of the working class worldwide, weather forecast analysis with an eye on farmers, pastoralists, fisher folks, and small scale mining communities.  Likewise, programs of production with the focus in discussing systems of productions including means and strategies of the working class’s struggles.

Mr Ruvuga expressed gratitude to the audience for their feedback during MVIWATA FM’s trial period and therefore he urged them to continue tuning in 106.7 MHz for hot, in-depth news and entertainments. He further added that improvements are on-going including the aim to reach out all regions of Tanzania.   

In conclusion, Mr Ruvuga thanked The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for their tireless efforts in giving advice and guidelines for airing out news and programs. He also acknowledged the presenters of MVIWATA FM, and all those who tirelessly, day and night fought so hard to make sure that MVIWATA FM radio station finally gets on air.

Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania – MVIWATA is carrying out a training on Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) to 31 smallholder farmers and members of MVIWATA in Mbarali District, Mbeya region. The four (4) days training is conducted at Agriculture department conference room found at Igawa, Mbarali Mbeya.

The training was officially opened by Mbarali District Commissioner (DC) Hon, Reuben Mfune who in his introductory remarks thanked MVIWATA for continually advocating smallholder farmers across a number of issues facing them.

He also urged smallholder farmers’ participants of the training to use effectively the opportunity given for themselves and mostly for those who are not part of the training.

In giving welcoming remarks to the DC, Acting Head of Programs at MVIWATA Ms, Theodora Pius said the training will cover theoretical discussions about SAM/PETS, Presentation of public projects found in Mbarali district for social accountability monitoring and presentations from the District Planning Officer (DPLO) and District Agriculture Irrigation and Cooperative Officer (DAICO).

Ms, Theodora, further added that a budget analysis for Mbarali district will be effected and lastly a close-up meeting between government officers and smallholder farmers will be held to present the findings resulting from the Social Accountability Monitoring task of the projects identified earlier.

Trainings for smallholder farmers and members of MVIWATA on SAM/PETS processes and its rationale is part of the reliable strategies of MVIWATA on advocacy and policy changes for the welfares of smallholder farmers.

“THE DEFENDER OF A FARMER IS A FARMER”