On October 17th, 2025, SHIWAKUTA officially kicked off a two-day national training on Agro ecological SMEs and Territorial Markets at Corridor Spring Hotel in Arusha, bringing together thirty vibrant agri-preneurs from across Tanzania.

The training, organized and conducted by SHIWAKUTA, was officially opened by AFSA Programme Coordinator, Ms. Ruth Nabaggala, who underscored the importance of strengthening agroecological entrepreneurship for sustainable and resilient food systems.

The event provides an inspiring platform to enhance business skills, foster innovation, and promote agroecology as both a viable enterprise model and a pathway toward food sovereignty.

A major highlight of the first day was a virtual presentation delivered via Zoom by AFSA Consultant, Mr. Africa Kiiza, live from Uganda. He shared key findings from AFSA’s study on Cross-Border Trade and Territorial Markets conducted in four East African Community (EAC) countries – Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

His engaging visual presentation revealed critical opportunities and policy challenges shaping agroecological trade across the region, sparking meaningful dialogue on how SMEs can strengthen territorial markets to promote fair, inclusive, and sustainable food economies.

Participants are engaging in interactive sessions and practical exercises focusing on value addition, collective marketing, and the development of resilient local supply chains that link producers directly with consumers.

The training emphasizes agroecological entrepreneurship as a driver of food sovereignty, market access, and economic empowerment for farming communities, while highlighting the transformative role of youth and women in advancing agroecology.