Food and Forest Development Finland (FFD) is advancing its commitment to sustainable agriculture in Tanzania through the SENSOR project, building upon the successes of the previous SEMA initiative.

Building on SEMA's Success

The SEMA project (2021-2024) laid a strong foundation by enhancing Tanzanian farmers' skills in sustainable practices and market access. Through targeted training and capacity-building efforts, farmers gained valuable knowledge in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, food safety, and contract farming. This empowerment led to improved productivity and better integration into both domestic and international markets.

Introducing SENSOR: A Step Forward

Building on SEMA's achievements, the SENSOR project aims to further enhance smallholder livelihoods by promoting environmentally and socially responsible value chains. Implemented in collaboration with the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and supported by FFD, SENSOR focuses on:

Capacity Building: Training 8,500 farmers, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, on sustainability standards, climate-smart agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
Market Access: Facilitating access to both domestic and international markets through contract farming and direct linkages with buyers.
Inclusive Practices: Ensuring the active participation of marginalized groups in horticulture value chains.
Environmental Sustainability: Promoting practices that address climate change and food safety concerns.

Looking Ahead

The SENSOR project, with a budget of €406,120 and a duration from January 2025 to December 2028, is set to make a significant impact in the regions of Kilimanjaro, Njombe, and Mbeya. By leveraging the lessons learned from SEMA, SENSOR aims to create a more resilient and inclusive horticultural sector in Tanzania, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

For a closer look at the impact of the SEMA project, watch the following video: SEMA Project Boosts Tanzanian Farmers' Skills for Better Market Access and Economic Growth