Recently I joined about 35 colleagues and university students to climb aboard a bus for a 40-minute journey to Lubungo Village in Morogoro, Tanzania. It was another hot and humid day as this was the start of the rainy season and as I wiped the perspiration dripping from my forehead, I again noticed how well-dressed Tanzanian people are, no matter the weather or ground conditions. A few of us took the opportunity for a brief nap as the bus snaked through the rust-coloured fields over a bumpy country road to reach our destination.
We are en route to witness the official launch of a transformative new agriculture project spearheaded by SUGECO (Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative). The ultimate goal of the Lubungo project, like many others led by SUGECO, is to empower and inspire women and youth to embrace agriculture as a viable business venture capable of providing them with sustainable incomes and secure futures. To achieve this, SUGECO is dedicating 100 acres of its own farmland here to female and young farmers so that they can produce marketable crops over the next three years.
I have been a CUSO volunteer at SUGECO for close to six months now and have come to appreciate the organization’s long-standing commitment to promoting modernity, sustainability, and quality in food production, which positions it as an ideal operator for this ground-breaking project.
We arrived at our destination on the edge of a newly constructed water reservoir—a cornerstone of this ambitious project—that was still undergoing finishing touches with the installation of a massive liner. In addition to two smaller reservoirs at this site, this one will hold up to 23 million litres of water, enabling reliable irrigation for the fertile fields in the area, essential when drought poses a threat to crops.
Once cultivation begins, these fields will produce sweet melons, cucumbers, bitter gourds, and onions. These high-demand products not only promise excellent market value but also align with the project's goal of fostering sustainable and scalable farming practices.
By leveraging its expertise and extensive land holdings, SUGECO aims to directly impact over 1,820 young farmers. Through hands-on training in modern agricultural techniques, they will be empowered to establish productive and profitable commercial farms, laying the groundwork for a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
The launch brought together a diverse group of attendees, including local officials, media representatives, special guests, and around 50 local farmers who vocalized their approval of the project and offered enthusiastic applause—often laughing in response to the witty commentary of the Honorable Adam Malima, the Regional Commissioner of Morogoro.
Unfortunately, at one point in the proceedings, a big gust of wind swept up and blew the entire canopy off where the officials and guests were seated. But instead of freaking out, everyone just giggled and kept on going with their speeches. I remember thinking there would be a lot more fuss and bother if this happened at a Canadian event.
SUGECO’s Executive Director, Mr. Revocatus Kimario, spoke to the immense opportunities this Lubungo project presents for young Tanzanians to redefine farming—not just as a livelihood but as a scalable and profitable business. The challenges besetting traditional subsistence farming—modern technologies, reliable irrigation, quality seeds, proper storage facilities and financial loan access—will be eased or removed altogether thanks to SUGECO’s expertise and hands-on involvement.
The SUGECO project at Lubungo received support from the Beyond Farming Collective and was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
It marks a significant step forward in redefining agriculture in Tanzania—paving the way for a new generation of farmers who are empowered to cultivate success.
I hope you will consider supporting my $2,000 fundraising campaign which is part of my volunteer commitment to CUSO. Donations help sustain CUSO programs, volunteers, community initiatives, and operations. I truly believe that CUSO is making a positive difference where they volunteer around the world.
This CUSO donation link will provide you with a tax credit immediately. I will be notified of your generous donation from CUSO via email. Ellen’s CUSO Fundraiser Thanks so very much!
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