Tanzanian sunflowers blossom into new products
Throughout Africa, countries often export raw materials to other countries that become more valuable products.
In Tanzania, farmers are working to reverse this trend with a new sunflower processing unit that can turn seeds into oil and other products.
The new sunflower processing unit in Uvinza East will provide business growth to 21,000 people, thereby reducing travel costs while supporting local agriculture and agribusinesses.
Sunflower Farmers Change the Rules of the Game
The facility is located in a remote ward called Basanza. Previously, farmers had to travel at least 50 kilometers to Kasulu town to handle its sunflower seed harvest. With new units, the processing is easier to access and affordable.
This will encourage more farmers to grow more sunflowers, thus benefiting the local economy.
The department received a grant from the International Trade Center (ITC). The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is working with farmers to use sustainable agricultural technologies. In addition, FAO is working with other agencies to produce high-quality sunflower seeds for future seasons to address rising demand after processing units installation.
New business opportunities and revenue
In Barransa, farmers who harvested sunflowers last season now sell sunflower oil locally, spurring business growth.
Livestock farmers also use sunflower seed cakes, a byproduct of oil extraction from animal feed. Previously, they had to travel long distances to buy seed cakes, and now they can be purchased locally for a higher price.
Basanza farmers have sent their produce to Kasulu in the past, dealing with long queues and complex logistics, which makes it difficult to compete with growers who handle sunflowers locally. Basanza’s new processing department saved them time and money, making sunflower seed cultivation more profitable.
As farmers adopt better farming practices and improve processing facilities, sunflower production will continue to expand, benefiting the entire community.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the International Trade Center.
