In regions such as Kigoma in Northwestern Tanzania, where obstacles like restricted access to productive resources and a general negative perception of agriculture have traditionally discouraged youth involvement in the agricultural value chain, innovative programmes offer optimism. Established in January 2023, the Kibondo Youth Agri-business Group serves a notable example. Consisting of five committed members, two of whom are females, this team has ventured into the assembly of micro-irrigation kits for horticultural farming. Their efforts are made possible through the support of UNCDF with the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), as part of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme.

This partnership enabled the group to secure seed capital totaling TZS 5,000,000, which covered the costs of raw materials, machinery, and packaging supplies. Utilizing these resources, they successfully established an assembly facility in Kibondo. Their main outreach effort is through the 'Kilimo Save' project, supported by UNCDF, which has been advocating for youth and women in horticulture through micro-irrigation technology since its inception in 2020. Benefitting approximately 5,000 individuals across three refugee-hosting districts—Kasulu, Kibondo, and Kakonko—this project stands as a compelling example of the transformational power of collective initiatives. The group's aim goes beyond mere profit-making; it seeks to improve regional access to these kits and provide employment opportunities for vulnerable youth. Their noteworthy efforts have received formal acknowledgement, evidenced by an official registration letter from local government authorities.

Business Development Support training

In facilitating the organization, formalization, and launch of the Kibondo Youth Agribusiness Group, the program provided specialized training focused on business development. This training was aimed at equipping the group with the necessary skills to professionally and independently manage their enterprise, as well as to identify and capitalize on additional opportunities within the sector. The curriculum covered essential topics such as marketing, business management, and the identification of new prospects within the value chain. As a result of this training, the group broadened their operations to include poultry and horticulture production. These new ventures have played a crucial role in generating a consistent revenue stream, thereby not only strengthening the business’s long –term viability but also intensifying the members’ commitment and participation in the group’s activities.

Using tech to manage revenues through M-Koba

The adoption of M-Koba, a specialized product under M-Pesa – a widely used mobile money service in Africa – has significantly improved financial transparency within the Kibondo Youth Agri-business Group. Designed specifically for group savings, M-Koba provides members with immediate notifications for every financial transaction, specifying the parties involved.

Additionally, the system is designed to prevent unilateral withdrawals, requiring consensus and approval from designated leaders for any financial activity. One member emphasized the system's effectiveness, saying, “Our mobile phones keep us constantly updated on the status of our account. With instant alerts, tracking every cent that comes in or goes out becomes straightforward, allowing us to promptly address any suspicious activities. This feature greatly enhances my confidence in our group's financial management.”

Kibondo agribusiness group members assembling the micro-irrigation kits.

Sales & Revenues

Since its establishment in January 2023, the Kibondo Youth Agri-business Group has achieved significant milestones. They have sold approximately 1,000 micro-irrigation kits to smallholder horticulture producers, both within the project area and beyond, generating a revenue of TZS 10 million. Drawing on the skills gained from the Business Development Support training, the members prudently chose to reinvest the proceeds from kit sales into their venture, prioritizing capital growth before disbursing any dividends. This judicious approach has guaranteed the group's financial stability and expansion.

The group also diversified its revenue streams by engaging in horticulture and poultry projects. These initiatives have not only generated consistent income but also significantly impacted the lives of individual members, many of whom previously struggled with economic instability due to a lack of substantial income sources.

One member summed it up well, stating, "In our poultry venture, we have 500 chickens ready for sale, and we've already sold an additional 400. Being part of a UNCDF-supported savings group has allowed us to increase our weekly contributions from TZS 2,000 to TZS 10,000. These collective and individual efforts have not only fortified our economic resilience but also empowered us to initiate other income-generating activities."

A member of the Kibondo agribusiness group at her horticulture farm.

Enhancing Economic Resilience of Youth

Testimonials from members of the Kibondo Youth Agri-business Group highlights the transformative effect of their collective endeavors, particularly in enhancing their economic resilience. For example, Agrofina, a 24-year-old female member, has moved from being financially dependent on her parents to becoming a key contributor to her family's income. Previously leading a sedentary lifestyle at home, she now operates a flourishing vegetable-selling business in the Kibondo central market.

"I began with a modest seed capital of TZS 100,000, sourced from the group. I've since tripled my investment to TZS 500,000, allowing me to meet my personal expenses and help my parents with household costs," she explains.

Likewise, Derogations Abdon, 27, the group's secretary and a family man, has experienced a marked improvement in his financial circumstances. Earlier employed as a gypsum board laborer, he struggled with an irregular and scant income, finding it difficult to provide three daily meals for his wife and child. His participation in the agri-business group greatly changed his situation. "The income I've earned from the group allowed me to buy a second-hand motorcycle, which now generates a daily profit of TZS 5,000. My family can now enjoy three nutritious meals a day, a testament to the transformational power of collaborative efforts," he states.

After completing his voluntary JKT training, 25-year-old Nadhir Katoto felt directionless and confined to his home. However, support from "Kilimo Save" changed the trajectory of his life.

Reflecting on his progress, Nadhir comments, "The assistance from 'Kilimo Save' has been pivotal. Initially, I felt trapped, unsure of my path forward. But now, as you can see, I'm actively engaged in kit assembly. In the evenings, I tend to both my personal and our group's shared garden. Tomorrow, it's my turn to oversee our collaborative poultry project. Each of these activities contributes to my income, and I've shifted from relying on my parents for essentials to being a notable contributor to our family's income. Encouraged by these strides, I have plans to achieve financial independence by next year."

The Kibondo Youth Agri-business Group demonstrates the transformative power of collaborative partnerships in agriculture for fostering economic resilience among young people. With the specialized training and resource allocation provided by UNCDF and NCA, the group carved out a viable pathway for youth to transition from financial vulnerability to economic stability. This joint endeavor highlights the importance of pooling collective skills, resources, and opportunities to enhance sustainability and sectoral growth. It serves as a practical blueprint that can inspire other communities to empower their youth, positioning agriculture as a reliable means for achieving financial security and long-term resilience.