An ambitious over $12.3 million (Sh30 billion) vanilla farming project to be implemented in the capital city of Dodoma, Tanzania is set to create jobs and boost trade.
The three-year project aims at promoting the crop business and create job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
According to Simon MnKondya, the CEO of Vanilla Village Limited, the funds would be channeled towards the construction of greenhouses that provide optimal conditions for vanilla production.
He said the greenhouses are provided with rain gun irrigation systems aimed at providing the crops with dew conditions which is essential for vanilla production.
“The greenhouses, which are specialized structures, will offer the ideal temperature and humidity levels necessary for successful vanilla cultivation.”
Additionally, the project includes the drilling of 40 wells to ensure sufficient water supply, the development of reliable roads to facilitate transportation, and the establishment of a produce processing plant. The allocation of funds will also cover the procurement of high-quality vanilla seeds.
Already about 130 Tanzanians are currently working on the project, 60 percent of them women from vulnerable households and agriculture experts.
These opportunities extend beyond direct involvement in vanilla farming, as participants will benefit from the expertise and support provided by Vanilla Village. The project seeks to uplift local communities and empower individuals through agricultural entrepreneurship.
MnKondya said the project will cover 125 hectares of land while 1,350 people will be recruited.
“They include people who will indirectly participate in vanilla farming but benefit with the expertise of vanilla village,” he said.
Tanzanian vanilla market
The investment in Dodoma’s vanilla farming project aligns with the promising future prospects of the Tanzanian vanilla market.
Market speculators from Israel and Germany predict that the crop’s price will rise to $1,500 per kilo within the next six years.
Even if the price fluctuates, vanilla is expected to maintain its position as a high-value crop, second only to saffron, which sells for $5,000 per kilo.
This optimistic outlook emphasizes the importance of vanilla cultivation as a lucrative opportunity for Tanzanians.
With the anticipated harvest of 70 tonnes after three years, the project aims to meet the annual demands of clients in Dubai, Germany, and the US.
“Dodoma has a conducive environment for vanilla farming including presence of non-acidic water and fertile soil,” said MnKondya.
The crop which originated from southern eastern Mexico and Central America, is also grown in other countries such as Tahiti, Uganda, India, Comoro and Madagascar.
 vanilla farming project to be implemented in the capital city of Dodoma){kind=link}