The SIFAV supported passion fruit project brings hope in Tanzania

The SIFAV supported passion fruit project brings hope in Tanzania

29/06/2016
in News

The Uhuru (Freedom) Torch is one of Tanzania’s national icons. The Torch wants to "bring hope where there is despair, love in the midst of hatred and respect where there is none." Each year, the torch is moved across different regions in Tanzania to celebrate exceptional achievements and inspire further development. The passing of the torch is a symbol of acknowledgement specifically for those projects with great potential for changing people’s lives. On the 22nd September 2016, the Uhuru Torch was lit in Moshi district and visited passion fruits projects, supported by a project in the SIFAV program. Different supply chain actors try to develop exportation opportunities for sustainable production of passion fruit. Senior government officials from regional and district level accompanied the torch on a visit to the Passion Fruit Project on the lower slopes of the Kilimanjaro. One of the visited plots was that of Polycarp Mushi, a farmer who is an active member of KIBO Horticulture Farmers Association. Polycarp briefed the guests of honour on the set up of the project and how VECO East Africa has contributed to it by facilitating the mobilization of farmer groups, by providing trainings, and by the establishment of nurseries and farmers field schools (FFS), where farmers receive hands-on experience in preparing the land, controlling pests and diseases, managing the soil and harvesting.

“It is only since the start of our collaboration with VECO East Africa, that we have started with growing passion fruit. So it is a completely new crop to us. At first we were a bit apprehensive, but now we see the results and are looking forward to a bright future. Passion fruit is a highly valued crop that provides us with a new alternative to traditional fruits and vegetables and other cash crops."

Polycarp

For more information on the national torch award to VECO, please see the article published at https://eastafrica.veco-ngo.org/en/news/national-torch-event-visits-kilimanjaros-passion-fruit-farmers or the latest SIFAV Newsletter