By Anthony John
For Michael B. Karoli, an accomplished agribusiness, marketing, and entrepreneurship facilitator with SUGECO, the Youth Economic Empowerment Through Agribusiness project was far more than just about farming; it represented a profound transformation in perceptions, the strategic building of crucial market connections, and the creation of a truly sustainable future for young people in Tanga. His dedicated month-long involvement in the TangaYetu Initiative yielded remarkable insights into precisely how agribusiness can effectively drive both youth empowerment and broader economic development within the region.
One of the project’s most profound and impactful achievements was successfully shifting the negative perceptions that some youth held towards agriculture as a career path. Many young beneficiaries began to see farming not merely as a labor-intensive, low-reward activity but as a genuinely viable and potentially lucrative business opportunity.
“We successfully changed the negative mindset of some youth about agriculture,” Karoli shared with satisfaction.
This transformative shift was clearly evident as youth actively engaged in the program, enthusiastically embracing modern agribusiness practices and creatively exploring innovative ways to efficiently grow and effectively market their diverse produce. The project provided critical market linkages, strategically connecting youth groups in Tanga directly with reliable buyers in Dar es Salaam for high-value crops, such as sweet melons.
“We directly connected youth groups with established buyers for their fruits and vegetables, including a dedicated market for sweet melons in Dar es Salaam,” he added.
Expanding Networks and Showcasing Success
The impactful project also fostered enduring, mutually beneficial networks among youth beneficiaries, various institutions, and dedicated facilitators. A notable highlight occurred in 2023 when project participants proudly showcased their high-quality farm products at the prestigious Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions in Morogoro and Mbeya.
“At Nane Nane, beneficiaries presented an impressive array of products cultivated on their project farms, inspiring countless other young people to venture into similar agricultural activities,” Karoli enthusiastically recalled.
These important exhibitions not only significantly boosted the visibility of these burgeoning youth-led agribusinesses but also profoundly reinforced their confidence in actively pursuing agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path. Requests for assistance in securing reliable markets continued well into 2024, further validating the program’s success in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the youth of Tanga.
Overcoming Challenges with Adaptability
The relatively short duration of the training program posed certain challenges in effectively covering all essential topics. However, Karoli and his team successfully adapted by strategically extending training sessions to Saturdays and evenings whenever feasible to ensure thorough and comprehensive learning.
“Flexibility during the training was absolutely key,” he explained. “We proactively adjusted schedules to ensure we covered all important topics, even conducting sessions during evenings and weekends to maximize learning time.”
Cultural and religious practices also required thoughtful accommodations. For example, many beneficiaries required dedicated breaks on Fridays for prayer, while others sought permissions for additional religious obligations. Karoli worked closely and respectfully with all participants to accommodate these important needs without compromising the program’s overall effectiveness.
Key Lessons for Sustainable Agribusiness
Karoli identified several crucial insights to significantly enhance the impact of future agribusiness projects:
- Reliable Production is Paramount: Contrary to common belief, he noted that “the biggest challenge is not the market, but reliable, consistent production.” Ensuring a steady, high-quality supply to structured markets is absolutely vital for sustaining long-term buyer relationships and maximizing profitability.
- Embrace Ownership Through Contribution: Beneficiaries should actively contribute to their respective projects, whether through financial input, provision of essential equipment, or dedicated labor. “When youth contribute directly to the project, they develop a profound sense of ownership, which is crucial for long-term commitment and success,” Karoli emphasized.
- Minimize Post-Harvest Losses: Addressing and minimizing post-harvest losses should be a top priority. Karoli suggested strategic investments in cold storage facilities and efficient processing infrastructure to significantly reduce waste and substantially increase overall profitability.
- Experienced Project Management is Essential: Having a skilled and experienced project manager is critical to ensure proper oversight, proactive problem-solving, and the long-term sustainability of all agribusiness initiatives. “A skilled project manager can effectively address challenges early on and prevent potentially avoidable losses,” he advised.
Reflecting on the program’s impressive outcomes, Karoli noted that the economic opportunities effectively created for youth often exceeded initial expectations and goals. “The program’s tangible results clearly demonstrate that well-managed agribusiness projects can generate a steady, reliable income flow for youth beneficiaries and even create additional employment opportunities for others in the community,” he remarked.
However, long-term sustainability remains a key challenge. Close supervision both during and after project implementation is absolutely necessary to maintain momentum and promptly address any emerging issues.
Karoli strongly recommended prioritizing the cultivation of short-term, high-demand crops like vegetables and fruits, particularly in densely populated urban areas where land is often limited. This strategic approach aligns well with youth preferences for quicker income generation while simultaneously ensuring scalability and market responsiveness. For all future projects, Karoli underscored the paramount importance of actively involving experienced facilitators in both the selection of beneficiaries and the meticulous structuring of comprehensive program curricula.
“Facilitators possess unique insights into accurately identifying suitable candidates and effectively tailoring programs to their specific needs and contexts,” he pointed out.
He also stressed the critical need for robust strategic plans to ensure the long-term viability and success of all agribusiness initiatives, including establishing reliable market linkages, providing continuous capacity building, and strategically integrating innovative technologies to significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.
Karoli’s impactful involvement in the Youth Economic Empowerment Through Agribusiness project clearly demonstrates how targeted training, strategic market connections, and a laser-like focus on value addition can profoundly transform youth livelihoods and contribute significantly to broader economic growth. By proactively changing negative perceptions and meticulously building sustainable systems, the program has successfully laid a solid foundation for agribusiness to flourish as a viable path to economic empowerment in Tanga and far beyond.
“The enthusiastic response was truly incredible, and the positive changes are undeniably possible if well-structured programs like this are consistently implemented and supported,” Karoli concluded with optimism. “Together, we can effectively change youth perceptions and transform agribusiness into a cornerstone of sustainable urban and rural development across Tanzania.”