SHIWAKUTA, in collaboration with its development partner, The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), successfully organized a National Convening on Agroecological SMEs and Territorial Markets in Dodoma. The convening brought together more than 36 farmers and entrepreneurs from 13 regions across the country, marking an important step in strengthening the agroecology sector.

The main objective of the convening was to provide a participatory platform that enables participants to engage in discussions, exchange experiences, actively participate in territorial markets, and identify and explore opportunities within their respective areas of work.

Through this platform, SHIWAKUTA aims to strengthen collaboration among entrepreneurs and promote the sustainable growth of agroecological enterprises in Tanzania.

The two-day workshop offered a valuable space for farmers and SMEs to exchange ideas and develop a unified voice, enhancing their understanding of both market systems and agroecological business practices

The event was graced by Ruth Nabbagala, AFSA Program Officer for Agroecology and Trade, alongside Richard Masandika, SHIWAKUTA Coordinator. Both emphasized the importance of networking and encouraged participants to leverage their collective strength for greater success.

The convening provided participants with the opportunity to engage in group discussions focused on addressing key questions affecting the agroecology sector. Some of the guiding questions included: What challenges are facing agroecological businesses? How do registration and proper record-keeping contribute to business growth? What strategies can be introduced to strengthen agroecological markets?

These discussions helped participants broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding, and strengthen their knowledge of agroecology and market systems, while also building their capacity to address business challenges.

Following the discussions, participants had the opportunity to present their ideas and recommendations based on the topics discussed.

They shared their experiences and contributed valuable insights to develop collective solutions and advance a shared mission to strengthen agroecological SMEs and territorial markets at the national level.

Participants were presented with key findings from a study profiling agroecological enterprises and territorial markets conducted across different regions of the country. The presentation was delivered by Mr. Damian Sulumo, Program Officer, who highlighted the major challenges and critical issues affecting the development of the sector.

This presentation sparked broad and meaningful discussions, enabling participants to reflect deeply and identify practical and effective strategies to address the identified challenges.

On another note, the convening was vibrant, with farmers and entrepreneurs showcasing their products while exchanging experiences, knowledge, and business opportunities from their respective regions.

Overall, SHIWAKUTA continues to serve as an important platform that connects smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, enabling them to learn, collaborate, and sustainably develop their businesses.