Lusinga Village – From Seed to Harvest.

The first Farmers’ Field Day (FFD) kicked off at a potato demonstration plot in Lusinga Village, Kilolo District. A total of 376 farmers turned up, eager to learn and engage. Other stakeholders included HZPC, a key provider of improved potato seeds (SAGITA seeds), AKM Glitters (buyers), AGCOT, and government extension officers. The project demonstration plot had been planted with 50 kg of SAGITA potato seeds from HZPC—and the results were remarkable. A harvest of 587 kg showcased the productivity potential when quality inputs are matched with good agronomic practices. The day ended with everyone enjoying fried potatoes.

Mawambala Village– Unlocking Soybean Potential.

The second Farmers’ Field Day was held in Mawambala Village, also in Kilolo District. Farmers gathered at a soybean demonstration plot, where they received practical, on-farm training from a Bwana Shamba (field officer) from TARI Uyole. They also interacted with soybean buyers, and SUGECO representatives, who shared insights on value addition and market opportunities. One highlight of the day was the tasting session—farmers enjoyed nutritious soybean porridge made from locally processed soybean flour, reinforcing the crop’s nutritional and economic value.

Tosamaganga Village – Strengthening Skills

The learning continued on at Tosamaganga Village, Iringa District. Like the previous day, the focus was on soybeans, with farmers learning about effective production techniques and how to access reliable markets. The event offered space for knowledge exchange, peer support, and real-time learning in the field.

Idenyimembe Village – Peer Learning and Harvest.

The final Farmers’ Field Day (FFD) took place at the soybean farm of Ombeni Mwelange, a participant in the SADIFU project, in Idenyimembe, Wanging’ombe District. In September 2024, Ombeni took a loan from her Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) group, Nguvu ya Pamoja, to purchase 20 kilograms of soybean seeds at TZS 3,000 per kilo. She planted the seeds on her one-acre farm and, on the day of the FFD, harvested an impressive 650 kilograms of soybeans.

This session was particularly powerful, as farmers learned directly from one of their peers—Fainess Mlelwa—who had successfully cultivated a thriving one-acre soybean plot. The FFD coincided with her harvest day, providing participants with a hands-on look at the outcomes of smart planning, hard work, and effective farming practices.

This peer-to-peer learning experience highlighted the profitability of soybean cultivation and motivated many farmers to invest more confidently in the crop.

Impact and Way Forward

The SADIFU project’s Farmer Field Days offered more than just technical training—they demonstrated the importance of collaboration, innovation, and farmer-led solutions. By bringing services, inputs, and markets closer to the community leve, these events are helping pave the way for resilient, market-oriented agriculture in Tanzania.