In a lively meeting at the Flomi Hotel in Morogoro, TAPBDS Company Limited recently conducted an intensive two-days training session to 19 marketing and sales managers from 16 seed companies. Held on July 24th and 25th, 2024, this event marked a significant step towards enhancing the expertise of these professionals in seed quality, production, marketing, and distribution.
The training provided a dynamic platform for participants to delve into the intricacies of distributing improved seeds to the last mile. Through engaging sessions and collaborative discussions, the attendees shared helpful experiences and strategies to overcome the challenges faced in ensuring smallholder farmers have access to high-quality inputs. This exchange of knowledge highlighted the collective commitment to driving agricultural growth and sustainability in Tanzania.
Among the participants, Samwel Warega, the Head of Sales and Marketing at Kibo Seed Company, expressed his renewed confidence after the training. “Before this training, I struggled with marketing skills and sales techniques. Now, I feel confident and equipped with the knowledge to excel in my role. This experience has truly transformed my approach to customer service and sales,” he said. Devotha Michael, a sales person from Meru Agro and Vet Care Company, also shared her insights, stating, “I didn’t know the difference between sales and marketing. I did not know the importance of promoting our seeds or business. Now, I know how to promote the business and how to use social media in promotion.”
One of the key highlights was the exploration of innovative approaches to facilitate access to agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers. By focusing on practical solutions and real-world applications, the training aimed to bridge the gap between seed companies and farmers, fostering a more inclusive and productive agricultural sector.
This initiative is part of the AID-I project implemented by TAPBDS in the region, with generous support from AGRA and USAID. Their backing underscores the critical importance of such interventions in strengthening the agricultural value chain and empowering those at the forefront of seed distribution.
As the training concluded, the participants left with renewed vigor and a wealth of actionable insights. With enhanced skills and a shared vision, these marketing and sales managers are now better equipped to lead their companies in driving agricultural innovation and supporting Tanzania’s smallholder farmers.