The government of Tanzania has pledged to support the Iringa based commercial firm, Farm for the Future (FFF), in its efforts to build equity and invest US $1.1million in building a dam and related irrigation systems.
Iringa Regional Commissioner, Ms Queen Sendiga revealed the report and said that the government supports the FFF plan to invest in building a dam and related irrigation systems needed for growing seed maize and macadamia nuts.
“Looking at the benchmark set in transforming people’s lives while successfully running a commercial farm I see FFF as a centre of excellence for commercial farming, good agricultural practices and community empowerment. I believe this unique model could be replicated across Tanzania,” said Ms Sendiga.
Value chain
The investment in the dam that will collect rainwater for irrigating the 250 hectare farm designed to grow seed maize and macadamia nuts. The high value crops would launch a value chain for high value crops in Tanzania and contribute to dissemination of technology, experience and skills to local farmers in Iringa and across the country.
FFF Chairman and Project Manager, Mr Osmund Ueland, said the environmental impact assessment is underway and construction of the dam is scheduled to start next month.
“The irrigation systems will be installed in 2022 to pave way for planting 112 ha seed maize and 65 ha macadamia the same year. We are changing people’s lives through our community development programs including demo plots in 16 villages together with our commercial partners. With the right investors on board in the future, we can change lives for thousands of people,” Ms Ueland said.
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