Matumbulu farmers boosted annual production from 70 to 480 tonnes on 170 acres with financing and technical aid from TADB.
Grape farmers in Dodoma's Matumbulu area have seen their annual harvest surge from 70 tonnes to 480 tonnes on the same 170 acres. This significant increase is attributed to financial support, essential inputs, and technical guidance provided by the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB). The expansion has also generated employment, with over 300 women and at least 70 young people now involved in farm activities like harvesting and weeding.
The farmers' group chairman, Alex Yared, stated that production began rising substantially after receiving TADB's financial backing and training on improved farming methods. He noted that prior to the support, the group harvested approximately 70 tonnes from 170 acres, a figure that has now reached 480 tonnes. Individual farmers have also experienced growth, with one reporting a tenfold increase in personal harvest from three tonnes to 30 tonnes annually on a 10-acre plot.
Looking ahead, the Matumbulu farmers plan to install drip irrigation systems to further boost production beyond 600 tonnes from the 170 acres. They also intend to establish a small processing facility to add value to their grapes, moving beyond sales of fresh produce. TADB Central Zone Manager Yodas Mwanakatwe highlighted the bank's role in providing production capital and training in modern practices, emphasizing capacity building as key to improving farmer productivity and investment management.
Why it mattersDodoma grape farmers are affected by increased production and employment opportunities due to financing and technical support from TADB.
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