EU grants $6 million for Tanzanian horticulture support

The European Union has announced that it will spend Euro 4.5m ($5.88m) to support the Tanzanian horticultural sector in a bid to increase small farmers' income through better access to markets. EU and the government of Tanzania have recently signed a financing agreement for the 10th European Development Fund - Support to Trade and Agriculture in Tanzania.

"This support aims at providing support on key commodities which offer opportunities for pro-poor trade, such as... horticulture," the EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Filiberto Sebregondi said.

Mr. Sebregondi said; "The present support will contribute to the development of the horticultural industry, increasing production income generation and consumption of fresh horticultural produce in Tanzania.

"The projects to be supported should be demand-driven from horticulture stakeholders to exploit the fast growing demand and market opportunities available at the national, regional and international markets but should also contribute to a long term goal of strengthening the capacity of the sector," he said.

On his part the Deputy National Authorising Officer for European Development Fund (EDF), Mr. Samuel Marwa expressed the government's appreciation to the EU and its member States for the support.

"The government appreciates the timely decision by the EU and its member states to allocate funds for financing the horticultural sub-sector in Tanzania...this support has come at the right time given the challenges being faced by the horticulture sub-sector," he said.

Source: allafrica.com