On 5 August 2026, SHIWAKUTA turned the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition at Nzuguni Grounds in Dodoma into an important platform for policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement by convening a two-hour multi-stakeholder consultation on “Opportunities and Challenges for Agroecological Markets in Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC).

The consultation highlighted the critical role of territorial markets and cross-border trade in creating greater market opportunities for smallholder farmers, strengthening local economies, and advancing food sovereignty. It provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on how local and regional markets can better support farmers who produce food using agroecological practices.

The dialogue brought together representatives from government ministries and institutions, research organizations, farmers’ organizations, development partners, and the media, creating an inclusive space for dialogue and exchange , skills and experience, Participants explored practical ways to strengthen territorial markets that connect farmers and producers directly with consumers, while also promoting regional trade in agroecological products across the EAC.

A presentation of SHIWAKUTA’s research, conducted with the support of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), stimulated vibrant discussions on both the opportunities and the barriers affecting agroecological markets.

The dialogue generated practical recommendations to increase consumer awareness, improve value addition and market infrastructure, strengthen policy and institutional support, and remove constraints limiting the growth of territorial markets and cross-border trade for agroecological products.

Participants identified several areas requiring greater attention, including increasing consumer awareness of agroecological products, improving value addition and market infrastructure, strengthening supportive policies and institutions, and addressing barriers to territorial markets and cross-border trade. These discussions resulted in practical recommendations aimed at creating a more enabling environment for smallholder farmers and agroecological producers to access sustainable and profitable markets.

The consultation reaffirmed that strong territorial markets are essential for building resilient and inclusive food systems. When farmers have better access to local, national, and regional markets, they are better positioned to earn fair incomes, invest in sustainable production, and improve their livelihoods. At the same time, consumers benefit from greater access to healthy and sustainably produced food.

SHIWAKUTA remains committed to championing evidence-based advocacy that empowers smallholder farmers to access fair, inclusive, and sustainable markets. By strengthening territorial markets and promoting cross-border trade, we are helping build resilient food systems that reward sustainable production, improve rural livelihoods, and ensure healthy food reaches communities across Tanzania and the East African Community.