Smallholder Support Project in Zanzibar

Smallholder Support Project in Zanzibar

In 1989, Zanzibar imported half of the food it required, despite its good agricultural potential and rich fishery resources, which would have been sufficient to fill its needs and provide a surplus for export. In the agricultural sector, the problem was caused mainly by lack of institutional support such as extension, research and access to credit for smallholder farmers. In the fisheries sector, the main constraint was the lack of foreign exchange needed to procure fishing gear, tools and accessories.

The project focused specifically on farmers cultivating less than 1.6 ha and on artisanal fishermen. It aimed to help them increase their production or catch, adopt improved technologies, diversify their activities, raise family income and gain access to credit. The project pioneered an institution-building effort in Zanzibar and provided an opportunity to develop extension services and research. It helped deliver technical and support services to rural poor people and provided credit for smallholder farmers and artisanal fishermen.

Source: IFAD