This article is written by Hosana Edwin and Ine Tollenaers
Introduction
Smallholder farmers face many hurdles in setting up competitive and inclusive agribusinesses and achieving sustainable mass production. When they join forces and form farmer groups and organisations, they have a higher chance of success in becoming solid business partners that can engage in the food value chain.
Empowering MUVIKIHO farmers
Over the years, Rikolto has been supporting the farmer organisation MUVIKIHO (Muungano Wa Vikundi Vya Kilimo Cha Horticulture) to strengthen their business and negotiation skills and to ensure quality production. MUVIKIHO is an apex organisation that promotes horticulture production as a commercial business. Fully owned by smallholder farmers, they support their members to improve the quality of the produce, to access domestic & export market and to access finance and other inputs. In addition, MUVIKIHO conducts market research and creates horizontal linkages for their members who produce a variety of fruits and vegetables in Arusha and Manyara.