Mbeya, Tanzania – September 11, 2025
Tanzania’s fertile soils and tropical climate have long made it a global treasure trove for spices. From the clove plantations of Zanzibar to cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and ginger grown across the mainland, the country boasts some of the world’s most sought-after flavors. Yet for decades, much of this bounty has been exported raw, limiting the value captured by local farmers.
That is now beginning to change.
Farmers Step Into a New Era
In an initiative led by AGCOT Centre, 21 farmers (15 men, 6 women, and 13 youth) from Ruvuma, Mbeya, Morogoro, and Tanga gathered at the Mbeya Food Park for a transformative training program. The goal: to equip them with the knowledge and skills to add value to their crops and compete in international spice markets.
This initiative was powered by a strategic collaboration involving the Regional Secretariats of Mbeya, Ruvuma, Morogoro, and Tanga, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the Tanganyika Christian Refugee Services (TCRS)—a long-time advocate of organic farming—and industry partner Get Aroma Spices.
Training for Global Competitiveness
Over several intensive days, farmers were immersed in practical, hands-on training. They learned how to process raw spices into premium products and, crucially, how to meet the stringent national and international quality standards demanded by high-value markets.
“We are shifting the mindset from simply growing spices to producing world-class products,” said John Banga of AGCOT Centre. “This training equips our farmers with the skills to meet the standards set by TBS and international buyers, allowing them to capture significantly more value from their hard work.”
For many participants, this was the first time they had direct exposure to how their crops can be transformed into market-ready products — from ground turmeric packaged for supermarkets to cinnamon processed for global spice brands.
Strength in Numbers
The training also highlighted a critical factor in long-term success: collaboration. Farmers were strongly encouraged to form groups, pooling harvests to achieve economies of scale, negotiate fairer prices, and strengthen their bargaining power.
This shift is already paying off. Through direct linkages with Get Aroma Spices and other processors at Mbeya Food Park, participants now have access to guaranteed markets for their newly value-added products. This not only provides a stable income stream but also reduces the risks associated with fluctuating commodity prices.
Knowledge With a Ripple Effect
Perhaps the most inspiring outcome of the initiative was not just the skills gained but the commitment made by each of the 21 farmers. They pledged to return home and train fellow farmers, multiplying the impact across their communities.
“The commitment we’ve seen is inspiring. Farmers are telling us this changes everything for them and their families,” explained John Banga. “The real power is in their promise to not keep this knowledge to themselves but to share it widely. That is how we ensure the impact reaches far beyond the 21 participants and builds a stronger industry for all.”
A Sector Ready for Transformation
The spice sector is one of Tanzania’s hidden economic gems. With global demand for organic, high-quality spices continuing to rise, the country is well-positioned to become a competitive hub. Initiatives like this one mark a turning point — moving farmers from subsistence-level production to participation in a modern, globally integrated value chain.
For Tanzania, the benefits are twofold:
- At the household level, farmers and their families gain higher, more stable incomes.
- At the national level, the economy is strengthened by a more competitive spice export sector that contributes to foreign exchange earnings and job creation.
The Road Ahead
This program is only the beginning. AGCOT Centre and its partners envision a future where Tanzania’s spices are not just raw commodities but branded, high-value products proudly showcased on supermarket shelves worldwide.
AGCOT Centre remains committed to farmer transformation and inclusive growth across Tanzania’s agricultural corridors — ensuring that the promise of the spice sector is fully realized.