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Front Page New program targets small scale farmersby Simba Nyamaume in Moshi The Government is implementing a programme aimed at improving marketing of agricultural products in the country. The seven-year programme (2003 to 2009) is being implemented in two zones, the northern zone comprising the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara and Tanga and the Southern Highlands zone comprising the regions of Iringa, Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma, known as the ‘the Big Four’ in the production of food crops. The programme will be implemented in two phases from 2003 to 2006 and from 2006 to 2009 and some 85 million shillings have been set aside for the initial implementation of the northern zone programme in Arumeru district (Arusha region), Babati district (Manyara region), Hai district ( Kilimanjaro region) and Muheza district (Tanga region). The programme aims at increasing production of crops by small scale farmers, to diversify crop production and increase the number of entrepreneurs doing business with farming groups in rural areas. The programme’s implementation will involve various stakeholders including district councils, small scale farmers, business people and non governmental organizations which have been urged to cooperate in order to make the programme a success. The programme was inaugurated by the Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr. Mohamed Babu who said that 51 per cent of Tanzanians are poor and unable to meet their basic life necessity while 35.7% are living below the poverty line. Mr. Babu who is also Acting Regional Commissioner for Kilimanjaro region said although agriculture is the backbone of the country’s economy and involves 80 per cent of the population, the sector is yet to receive the emphasis it deserves. The programme is sponsored by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Irish Government and the African Development Bank (ADB).
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