Préparatifs pour l’AgroTour International Tanzanie 2024 : Mission de Reconnaissance à Arusha

Preparations for the AgroTour International Tanzania 2024: Reconnaissance mission to Arusha

AgroTour International, an annual flagship event dedicated to promoting agrotourism and good agricultural practices in Africa, is gearing up for its 7th edition in Tanzania, scheduled for August 5-9, 2024.

The event is being organized with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Patriotic Awakening of the Democratic Republic of Congo. To ensure the event’s success, a Hope Land Congo team led a reconnaissance mission to Arusha, Tanzania from June 13 to 23, 2024, facilitated by Janice Kimaro, coordinator of the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP) and AgroTour 2024 focal point..

Mission objectives :

1. Meet with Tanzanian authorities to formalize their involvement in the event.
2. Identify key agrotourism sites to be visited during the AgroTour.
3. Define the logistical program including accommodation, catering and transport.
4. Involve local organizations for optimal community involvement.

Mission results :

1. Involvement of the Tanzanian authorities :

• The Arusha Regional Commission office accompanied the team on field visits and the identification of sites to be visited.
• The Tanzanian government is committed to ensuring the success of the event.

2. Agrotourism sites visited :

Five model agribusiness sites have been selected for their exemplary practices:

• The Tanzania Horticulture Association (TAHA) is renowned for its free hands-on horticultural training courses, designed to improve the skills of local farmers. TAHA offers quality education in cultivation techniques, soil management and sustainable farming practices. Training courses are designed to maximize yields while preserving the environment, enabling farmers to diversify their crops and increase their income.

• TANJA is an innovative farm specializing in the production of high-quality coffee. In addition to its exemplary farming practices, TANJA is actively involved in the carbon credit market. By adopting environmentally-friendly growing methods, the farm contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and generates carbon credits that can be sold on international markets. This dual approach enables TANJA to play a key role in the fight against climate change, while producing top-quality coffee.

Home Fresh Park is a major player in the export of avocados and vegetables to Europe and Dubai. The farm stands out for its advanced farming techniques and commitment to product quality and freshness. By using sustainable growing methods and complying with international standards, Home Fresh Park guarantees healthy, nutritious produce. The company also contributes to local economic growth by creating jobs and supporting local farmers.

OGADEN ESTATE is a farm dedicated exclusively to coffee production. Renowned for the exceptional quality of its beans, OGADEN ESTATE uses traditional cultivation techniques combined with modern innovations to produce a coffee appreciated on international markets. The farm focuses on sustainability, using cultivation methods that preserve natural resources and support local communities.

Moonlight specializes in exporting Carellas, medicines used to treat diabetes, to the UK. Through rigorous farming and strict manufacturing practices, Moonlight ensures the production of high-quality medicinal plants. The company plays a crucial role in the supply chain of natural pharmaceuticals, meeting the growing demand for herbal treatments.

These five model agribusiness sites perfectly illustrate Tanzania’s commitment to agricultural innovation, sustainability and economic growth. Their best practices serve as a model for other agricultural initiatives in the region and around the world.

1. Logistics program validated :

• Accommodation booked at two hotels in Arusha: Greenside and Green Mountain Hotel.
• Catering and local transport services organized.
• Conference room booked at Mount Meru Hotel.

1. Partners met on site :

• SEED CO
• GIZ
• TRIAS
• Moonlight
• TAHA
• TANJA
• OGADEN ESTATE
• Home Fresh Pack
• East African Community (EAC)
• Tanzanian Ministry of Youth
• Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture
• Tanzanian Ministry of Tourism

AgroTour International 2024 promises to be a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of innovations in agrotourism, strengthening links between the various stakeholders in Africa’s agricultural sector. For more details, see the budget appendix of the full report.

The Agrotour International communications team