Kilimo Viwanda Programme opens doors for youth in Tanzania’s agriculture sector

TANZANIA – As Tanzania marks the International Day of Education, attention has turned to how learning shapes the country’s economic future, especially in agriculture.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, yet many young people struggle to access agricultural training due to limited funds.

At the same time, farmers in rural areas lack enough trained professionals to support productivity and modern farming practices. These gaps led to the launch of the Kilimo Viwanda Programme in 2020.

The programme brings together four agricultural training institutions and Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) to support students from low-income families pursuing diploma studies in agriculture.

Over five years, the initiative has helped more than 300 students continue their education, many of whom might otherwise have dropped out.

Supporting access to education and skills

Before the programme began, training institutions faced high dropout rates because students could not afford tuition. This situation reduced the number of trained extension officers available to support farmers. Through the partnership, SBL helped institutions retain students and align training with real needs in the agricultural sector.

Sadock Stephano, Principal of Igabiro Training Institute of Agriculture in Muleba-Kagera, explained the purpose of the programme. “Kilimo Viwanda was established to ensure that capable students are not locked out of agricultural education because of financial limitations, while at the same time responding to the shortage of extension officers needed to support farmers across the country,” he said.

The programme also supports national priorities by increasing the number of trained agricultural professionals and strengthening youth participation in the sector. It contributes to efforts to improve productivity, food security, and commercial farming, while supporting local industries.

Rispa Hatibu, Senior Manager for Communication and Sustainability at Serengeti Breweries Limited, highlighted the industry perspective. “Kilimo Viwanda was established to support farmers producing key crops such as maize, barley, and sorghum by strengthening agricultural skills, improving productivity, and expanding market opportunities for locally grown raw materials,” she said.

Impact on students and communities

Graduates of the programme now work as extension officers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and farm managers. Their work helps farmers improve yields, adopt modern techniques, and engage more effectively in commercial agriculture.

For many beneficiaries, the programme has changed their personal and professional paths. Khadija Msuguru, a graduate, shared her experience. “Before receiving the scholarship, I had almost given up on my studies because I couldn’t afford the fees. Today, I run a landscape and garden design business, using the skills I gained to create employment and serve the market,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Octavian Burchard, continues to apply his training in practical ways. “Kilimo Viwanda helped me see agriculture as a business and a pathway to industry. My goal is to produce crops that meet industrial standards and contribute to value addition in the sector,” he said.

As the final group prepares to graduate later this year, the programme shows how focused investment in education can strengthen agriculture, support youth, and contribute to economic growth.

Through partnerships between industry and training institutions, Kilimo Viwanda continues to shape a stronger link between learning and agricultural development in Tanzania.

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