KILIMO VIWANDA: HOW EDUCATION IS TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURE IN TANZANIA

As the world marks International Day of Education, attention turns to the critical role education plays in shaping Tanzania’s economic future. Agriculture remains the backbone of the national economy, employing a significant share of the population and supporting food security and industrial development. However, the sector continues to face persistent challenges, including limited access to agricultural education for youth from low-income backgrounds and a shortage of qualified professionals to support farmers, particularly in rural areas.

Bridging the Skills and Access Gap

These challenges inspired the launch of the Kilimo Viwanda Programme in 2020. The initiative brings together four agricultural training institutions and Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) in a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to agricultural education. Through scholarships and institutional support, the programme enables young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue diploma-level training in agriculture.

To date, Kilimo Viwanda has supported the education of more than 300 students over a five-year period—students who might otherwise have been forced to abandon their studies due to financial constraints.

Strengthening Institutions and Retaining Talent

The collaboration between SBL and the four agricultural colleges was designed to address structural challenges within the education system. Many institutions were struggling with high dropout rates as students failed to meet tuition requirements. This not only disrupted learning but also reduced the supply of trained agricultural extension officers essential for improving farm productivity.

By easing financial pressure on students, the programme has helped improve retention rates, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure that agricultural training is closely aligned with the practical needs of farmers and agribusinesses.

Alignment with National Development Priorities

Kilimo Viwanda also aligns closely with Tanzania’s broader development agenda. By increasing the pool of trained agricultural professionals and encouraging youth participation in the sector, the programme supports government efforts to enhance productivity, promote commercial farming, and improve food security.

The initiative complements national strategies aimed at modernising agriculture, boosting value addition, and strengthening linkages between farming and industry.

“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,” says Sadock Stephano, Principal of Igabiro Training Institute of Agriculture, Muleba–Kagera.

Building Human Capital for the Future

The programme’s impact is already visible across the sector. Graduates are working as agricultural extension officers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and farm managers. In these roles, they are helping farmers improve yields, adopt modern farming techniques, and participate more effectively in commercial agriculture.

For SBL, Kilimo Viwanda reflects a dual commitment to national development and sustainable sourcing.

“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,” says Rispa Hatibu, Senior Manager – Communication and Sustainability at Serengeti Breweries Limited.

Transforming Lives and Creating Opportunities

The programme has had a transformative effect on its beneficiaries. Khadija Msuguru, a programme graduate, describes the scholarship as a turning point in her life.

“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 says.

Another beneficiary, Octavian Burchard, continues to apply his training both within and beyond the classroom. He manages his institution’s school farm while also engaging in agricultural production for industrial use.

“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 notes.

A Lasting Legacy

As the final cohort prepares to graduate later this year, the Kilimo Viwanda Programme leaves behind a powerful legacy. By expanding access to education, strengthening agricultural skills, and supporting farmers, the initiative demonstrates how targeted investment in human capital can drive economic growth, improve food security, and support sustainable industrial development in Tanzania.

In an era where agriculture must evolve to meet both local and global demands, Kilimo Viwanda stands as a compelling example of how education can transform not only individual lives, but an entire sector.