TAPBDS facilitated coaching sessions for seven Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives (AMCOS) in Mbeya and Mbinga, focusing on critical areas like leadership management, business plan refinement, and SWOT analysis to foster sustainable growth.
Leveraging the “Loyalty Program,” implemented by TAPBDS experts, these AMCOS developed annual production plans and budgets for 2025/2026, underpinned by realistic coffee volume projections for their dedicated buyer. Concurrently, strategies were developed to diversify revenue streams and implement cost-efficient practices, ensuring the long-term viability of these cooperatives. The seven AMCOS participating in this initiative include Malindindo, Makolo, Ugogo, and Lugari in Mbinga-Ruvuma, and Mpito, Ilomba Best in Songwe, along with Mpumisa in Mbeya with a total of more than 2,000 smallholder coffee farmers.
A recent study by the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) in 2023 revealed that 60% of AMCOS in Tanzania lack formal business plans, 75% have limited financial management skills, and 80% face challenges in accessing and utilizing market information effectively. This data highlights a significant gap in leadership, planning, and managerial skills within AMCOS, hindering their ability to operate efficiently and compete effectively in the market. By addressing these critical areas, TAPBDS aims to strengthen the capacity of AMCOS and enhance their competitiveness within the coffee sector.
Commissioned by TechnoServe and implemented by TAPBDS, Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) project provides tailored technical support to farmer cooperatives, empowering them to enhance operations and achieve sustainable growth.
With refined planning and a collective commitment, these AMCOS are poised for significant growth. To achieve this, they plan to expand membership and increase member production, aligning with the growing global demand for high-quality Tanzanian coffee.