The Swiss Embassy has extended its support to MVIWATA, a network of small-scale farmers’ groups active all over Tanzania. The contribution aims at strengthening the network’s capacity and empowering its members technically, economically and politically in farming matters.
- A farmer in Mgeta area, Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro © FDFA
In a recently signed agreement, Switzerland committed to contribute a total of USD 1`033`000 (CHF 930`000) to MVIWATA for the next two years. The contribution aims at strengthening the network to achieve its strategic objectives and also to improve small-scale farmers’ capacity to effectively represent their interests and increase their incomes.
Switzerland’s contribution to MVIWATA will improve the network’s capacity to organize small-scale farmers to lobby and advocate for their rights, and implement economic empowerment activities. It will also contribute to improving the network’s overall organizational and operational capacities.
Approximately 90% of poor people in Tanzania live in rural areas and the overwhelming majority of them, roughly 85%, are small-scale farmers. Agriculture also accounts for about 75% of the workforce and provides livelihood to almost 80% of the population. However, agricultural productivity levels are still very low.
Growth in the agricultural sector is stalled by various policies that neglect the need of small-scale farmers. The sector also faces a number of critical challenges such as access to land, financial services, markets, and improved inputs; lack of infrastructure; and poor farming techniques. Agriculture provides huge potential for poverty reduction, but will remain untapped, if farmers are not able to self-organize and speak with one voice.
SDC and Irish Aid are MVIWATA’s core contributors.
For more Information about Swiss Embassy please visit Embassy’s Website at EDA
