Improved Livelihoods in Tanzania through Organic Agriculture

by Kate McElhinney

Plant With Purpose is excited to announce that we have been awarded a grant for $500,000 from the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) for our programs in Northern Tanzania!

The goal of this project is to see improved livelihoods through organic agriculture over a three-year time period. Initially, 300 households will participate. The main objectives will be to build the capacity of farmers by enhancing organic vegetable farming techniques and entrepreneurial and business skills, as well as develop the market capacity and create long-term strategies for getting organic vegetables products to markets.

Educating farmers about the benefits of organic farming, organic agriculture marketing principles, and the identification of the crops that have the highest potential for newly identified markets such as tomatoes, baby vegetables, mushrooms, and carrots will be key in helping them to improve their livelihoods. Households, especially women-headed, will become empowered by being able to provide a sustainable means to improve their livelihood. Additionally, this project will help farmers in Tanzania to plan long-term strategies for expanding the marketing of their crops.

With the help of this grant, over time we hope to see a 20% increase in the percentage of participating households that can afford 3 meals a day throughout the year, and a 40% increase in the percentage of households with income from organic agriculture coming at least 9 months of the year.

This will make a huge difference in the lives of the rural poor in Tanzania, and we are grateful for our partnership with USAID and the opportunities this grant will bring. We will be sure to keep you posted on the progress of this exciting program!

To learn more about the communities we work with in Tanzania, click here.

Kate McElhinney serves as the Marketing Coordinator for Plant With Purpose. She plays an integral role in executing the company’s marketing campaigns and PR efforts. Kate also coordinates the annual gala and oversees the production of the company newsletter, The Sower.