Tanzania: Vanilla Lifts Kagera Farmers From Poverty

Published 2020년 11월 4일

Tridge summary

Agnes Kokutangaza's life has been transformed by the shift from coffee to vanilla production in Tanzania's Kagera region. The area, known for its suitability for various crops, has seen farmers face challenges like coffee wilt disease and lack of inputs, leading them to try vanilla as an alternative cash crop. Despite challenges such as lack of by-laws, skilled extension officers, and technology, vanilla has become a significant source of income. The General Manager of Maendeleo ya Wakulima (Mayawa) is optimistic that with proper management, a farmer can earn up to 35m/- annually from vanilla. The region has a long history of vanilla export success, but quality concerns due to smuggling have arisen. There is a call for private investment in the vanilla industry, including extension services and necessary inputs, to support and train farmers. Vanilla is a highly valued spice known for its health benefits and is in high demand in international markets.

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Original content

STANDING in the middle of her two-hectare vanilla plantation, Agnes Kokutangaza (57), a resident of Missenyi District's Kilimilile village recounts how the crop has changed her life. A few years ago she was living in a small mud house, but life has changed for the better after switching to vanilla production. Last season he earned about 8m/- from vanilla sales. She is among farmers who formed an Agricultural and Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS). About 5,332 active farmers in Kagera region engage in vanilla production. For many decades farmers in Kagera region depended on a single cash crop-coffee. However, the crop has been devastated by the coffee wilt disease (CWD), while most of the coffee trees are over 60 years old and do not yield much. Lack of inputs and poor management has also aggravated the problem. Vanilla, introduced as an alternative cash crop to the traditional coffee has proved to be a game changer. The government had intervened to help out coffee farmers by ...

Source: All Africa