TAPBDS recently conducted training on Developing Inclusive Sourcing Strategies for 14 Agri-SMEs from eight regions in Tanzania. This initiative addresses a critical challenge faced by many Agri-SMEs: securing reliable and sustainable supplies of high-quality raw materials from smallholder farmers. Participating SMEs represent diverse value chains, including dairy, poultry, maize, sunflower, nuts, and nutritional foods.
Smallholder farmers in Tanzania also face significant challenges, including limited access to quality inputs, inadequate farming skills, and insufficient postharvest management equipment. These constraints hinder their productivity and contribute to supply chain inefficiencies.
Recognizing these interconnected challenges, the training focused on equipping participants with the skills to analyze and make informed sourcing decisions. This included a step-by-step approach to developing sustainable sourcing strategies, building strong business partnerships with smallholder farmers, and leveraging opportunities to work effectively with women farmers.
The training, held in early February at Four Points by Sheraton in Dar es Salaam, is part of Technoserve’s Implementing Inclusive Growth Strategies for Gender Diverse food processing SMEs (IIGS) project. This project aims to catalyze inclusive growth within the food processing sector by addressing the resource gaps faced by women-led and men-led businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to a 2021 report by the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), 40% of Agri-SMEs in Tanzania experience significant challenges in accessing reliable and consistent supplies of raw materials, leading to production disruptions and increased costs. Furthermore, 35% of these SMEs report facing challenges in establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with smallholder farmers.
TAPBDS, as a key partner in the IIGS project, provides technical assistance to Agri-SMEs in two critical areas: Inclusive Sourcing and Base of the Pyramid marketing strategies. By empowering Agri-SMEs with these essential skills, TAPBDS contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chain in Tanzania.