How TRUST BANK empowered tea farmers in Tanzania

Written by Ibrahimu Harry Mwankanye, Cooperative advisor Tanzania

RSTGA SACCO was established in 2008, thanks to the efforts of Rungwe Smallholders Tea Development Trust Fund that operates under the Association. This is the agent for the development of tea growing in the region. Before the SACCO was formalised, the development trust fund facilitated farmers in establishing savings and credit groups. After having facilitated these groups for 3 years, several farmers reached the stage that required a more professional organisation to serve the financial needs of tea growers in Rungwe. Currently RSTGA SACCO has 2,133 members.

Exploring opportunities in Tanzania

In August, Agripooler Yvonne Robben visited the Kilimanjaro Dairy Cooperatives Joint Enterprise Limited (KDCJE) in Tanzania to share her knowledge. The 1,800-member union was running into problems with effectiveness. Thanks to the workshop, KDCJE was given a hand to improve its business case.