The Kilimo Roundtable is a dynamic platform that fosters a thriving and sustainable agriculture sector in Tanzania and East Africa through collaborative efforts, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. We drive positive change in Tanzanian agriculture by bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors. We seek to empower agribusinesses by facilitating dialogues to spur innovation and cooperation. Emphasizing sustainable practices, we advocate for adopting environmentally friendly farming methods and technologies to enhance productivity while preserving natural resources. Through targeted training, workshops, and resources, we aim to strengthen the skills and capacities of agribusinesses in financial management, market access, investment incentives, and environmental conservation. Our initiatives also prioritize mental health and ensure inclusive development. Together, we construct a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector that benefits all Tanzanians.
Vision: “Empowering sustainable, innovative agriculture for prosperity.
Mission: “Driving positive change in agriculture through collaboration, innovation, and capacity building.”
Why Kilimo Roundtable/ Kilimo Annual Gala/ Kilimo Round Table Association?
It is about Unlocking The Endless Agribusiness Potential in Tanzania, and Africa
How:
Agriculture plays a crucial role in Tanzania’s economy, accounting for 26.9% of the total GDP in 2020 and growing at an annual rate of 4.9%. The sector is a source of food and industrial raw materials and a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings. In 2020, agriculture, forestry, and fishing contributed nearly one-third to Tanzania’s GDP, corresponding to approximately 14.3 billion US dollars in value-added. Furthermore, the sector generated over 1.2 billion US dollars in export earnings from major agricultural commodities in 2020
According to the fiscal year 202/2025 budget, the agriculture sector alone is projected to contribute 20% to the GDP, the livestock sector will add another 7.4%, and the fisheries sector is expected to contribute 1.9%. Together, these sectors account for 29.3% of Tanzania’s GDP.
Opportunities and Challenges
Tanzania has numerous opportunities to expand its agricultural sector, including regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the East African Community (EAC) Common Market, and international agreements like the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA). However, the sector also faces challenges such as limited access to international markets, inadequate financial management skills, health concerns among farmers, and difficulties accessing capital.
- Kilimo Roundtable
The Kilimo Roundtable is a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering a thriving and sustainable agriculture sector in Tanzania. It is a hub for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders. The primary focus of the Kilimo Roundtable is to drive positive change in Tanzanian agriculture by facilitating dialogues that spur innovation and cooperation. It emphasizes sustainable practices, promotes environmentally friendly farming methods, and advocates for adopting cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Through targeted training workshops and resources, the Kilimo Roundtable aims to strengthen the skills and capacities of agribusinesses, ensuring a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector that benefits all Tanzanians.
- Kilimo Annual Gala
The Kilimo Annual Gala is a prestigious event organized as part of the broader Kilimo Roundtable initiative. Held during the auspicious Nane Nane celebrations, the gala is a flagship event that brings together various agricultural stakeholders from the agricultural value chain. The theme “Igniting the Potential of Tanzania to Feed Africa and the World” encapsulates its mission to showcase Tanzania’s agricultural prowess, attract investment, and promote sustainable practices. The Kilimo Annual Gala features keynote addresses, panel discussions, business-to-business matchmaking, capacity-building workshops, and cultural performances. It aims to elevate the profile of Tanzanian agriculture globally, foster strategic partnerships, and empower smallholder farmers through knowledge sharing and market access. The event also serves as a platform for policy dialogue, ensuring a conducive environment for agricultural investment and development.
- Kilimo Roundtable Association
The Kilimo Roundtable Association is the organizational body that oversees the activities and initiatives of the Kilimo Roundtable and the Kilimo Annual Gala. It is a formal entity that will unite all agricultural stakeholders as members, fostering a collaborative network to advance Tanzania’s agricultural sector. The association’s objectives include facilitating dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions, providing insights on financial management strategies, raising awareness about mental health in agriculture, and showcasing innovative approaches to accessing capital. The Kilimo Roundtable Association aims to create a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem by establishing partnerships and networks for knowledge sharing. It plays a crucial role in advocating for supportive policies, empowering women and youth in agriculture, and ensuring the equitable growth of the sector.
Transformative Roundtable Initiatives
- Unlocking Global Market Access:
- We convene high-level dialogues among industry leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions to dismantle barriers and pave the way for Tanzanian agricultural products to thrive in international markets.
- We facilitate discussions on optimizing agricultural inputs (e.g., seeds, fertilizers, technology) to enhance product quality and meet international standards.
- Impact: Expand export opportunities, increase revenue for farmers and agribusinesses, and enhance Tanzania’s global competitiveness.
- Building Financial Resilience:
- We provide tailored financial training, mentorship, and access to resources that equip agribusinesses with the tools they need to manage risk, optimize budgeting, and make sound investment decisions, including those related to inputs and outputs.
- We explore strategies for minimizing input costs and maximizing output value through efficient resource allocation and value chain optimization.
- Impact: Strengthen financial stability, promote long-term growth, and enhance resilience to economic shocks.
- Cultivating Mental Well-being:
- We foster open and honest conversations about mental health in the agricultural sector, break down stigma, and connect individuals with vital support services, recognizing the unique stressors related to input costs and output fluctuations.
- Impact: Improve mental health outcomes, increase productivity, and create a more supportive and inclusive agricultural community.
- Fueling Growth with Capital Access:
- We showcase innovative financing models specifically tailored to support agricultural input procurement and output marketing.
- We connect investors with promising agribusinesses seeking capital for input optimization and expansion of output capacity.
- Impact: Drive investment in the sector, accelerate innovation, and create jobs and economic opportunities.
- Optimizing Agricultural Inputs and Outputs:
- We facilitate discussions on sustainable and efficient input utilization, including organic fertilizers, precision agriculture techniques, and integrated pest management.
- We explore innovative approaches to value addition and market diversification to maximize output returns.
- Impact: Enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and increase profitability for farmers and agribusinesses.
- Fostering a Thriving Ecosystem of Collaboration:
- We create vibrant networking, knowledge exchange, and partnership building spaces, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including input suppliers, processors, and exporters, to share experiences, learn from each other, and forge meaningful connections.
- Impact: Strengthen the agricultural ecosystem, enhance competitiveness, and drive collective action towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
Core Objectives
- Catalyze Collaboration and Innovation:
- Action: Convene dynamic roundtable discussions, workshops, and networking events that unite diverse stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
- Outcome: Ignite new ideas, foster strategic partnerships, and drive collaborative solutions to address complex agricultural challenges.
- Champion Regenerative and Climate-Smart Agriculture:
- Action: Promote and advocate for adopting environmentally sustainable farming practices, innovative technologies, and circular business models.
- Outcome: Enhance agricultural productivity, conserve natural resources, and build resilience to climate change.
- Empower through Targeted Capacity Building:
- Action: Deliver tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge-sharing resources focused on financial literacy, market access, technology adoption, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Outcome: Strengthen agribusinesses’ skills and knowledge base, enabling them to thrive in a dynamic and competitive landscape.
- Advocate for Equitable and Supportive Policies:
- Action: Engage in constructive dialogue with policymakers and government officials to influence the development of policies that incentivise sustainable agriculture, facilitate market access, and attract investments in the sector.
- Outcome: Create an enabling environment that fosters agricultural growth, innovation, and equitable access to resources and opportunities.
- Prioritize Holistic Well-being:
- Action: Raise awareness of the mental health challenges farmers and agribusiness professionals face through workshops, support groups, and educational resources.
- Outcome: Promote a culture of well-being, reduce stigma, and provide access to mental health support services for agricultural stakeholders.
- Champion Inclusive and Equitable Growth:
- Action: Design and implement initiatives targeting smallholder farmers, women, youth, and marginalized communities.
- Outcome: Ensure that the benefits of agricultural growth are shared equitably, fostering economic empowerment and reducing poverty.
- Empower Women and Youth as Agricultural Leaders:
- Action: Develop leadership programs, mentorship opportunities, and targeted training initiatives designed to empower women and youth in agriculture.
- Outcome: Cultivate a new generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs, harnessing their potential to drive innovation and transform the sector.
Let’s work together to cultivate a brighter future for Tanzanian agriculture.
Profile: Rhoda Magoiga Mwita
Rhoda Magoiga Mwita is a pioneering entrepreneur and the founder of Mwana wa Africa Invest Co. Ltd., a leading force in Tanzania’s agricultural landscape. Her company is a premier distributor of fertilizers and a trusted provider of comprehensive agronomy assistance to farmers nationwide. With an impressive 24-year career in the fertilizer market, including a significant role at a major Tanzanian fertilizer company, Rhoda possesses unparalleled expertise in the industry.
Under Rhoda’s visionary leadership, Mwana wa Africa Invest Co. Ltd. has achieved remarkable success, reaching over 500,000 farmers each season through an extensive network of more than 15 distribution points nationwide. The company’s comprehensive approach goes beyond fertilizer distribution, offering invaluable agricultural consultation, expert agronomy assistance, and accessible credit facilities. This holistic approach empowers farmers to maximize their productivity and embrace sustainable practices.
Rhoda’s commitment to innovation is unwavering, as evidenced by Mwana wa Africa Invest Co. Ltd.’s ambitious plans to import and later on produce its own fertilizer. This strategic move will ensure access to the latest advancements in fertilizer technology, further strengthening the company’s market position and impact on Tanzanian agriculture.
In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Rhoda is the driving force behind the Kilimo Round Table initiative. This collaborative platform fosters sustainable agricultural practices and drives innovation throughout Tanzania’s agricultural sector. Rhoda’s passion for empowering farmers and cultivating a thriving agricultural community makes her indispensable in Tanzanian agriculture’s ongoing growth and development.
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
___________________
Rhoda Zabron Magioga,
CEO,
Kilimo Roundtable.
+255 762 833 736