SMALL-scale rice farmers in Rujewa Ward, Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, have gained a reliable international market for their produce following a contract between UK-based food importing firm FEMU Limited and Tanzania's BJM Company.

The partnership, facilitated through cooperation between FEMU Ltd and the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), is aimed at enhancing food trade between Tanzania and the United Kingdom—bolstering the national economy and empowering local farmers.

 Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Kaizirege Camara, FEMU Ltd’s representative in Tanzania, noted that the contracted farmers are producing high-quality rice using organic farming methods.

 “The farmers under this agreement are beneficiaries of BJM Company, a key agro-organization supporting rice growers in Mbalali to adopt organic farming practices. This not only improves rice quality but also enhances soil fertility and protects the environment,” Camara explained.

 He emphasized that this market expansion into the UK aligns with efforts by the Tanzanian Embassy in the UK under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—a UK initiative that facilitates tariff-free access for products from developing nations.

 “The DCTS is designed to help developing countries like Tanzania access UK markets with tax exemptions, making it easier for our agricultural exports to thrive,” he said.

 Camara further noted that the collaboration was made possible through the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT), which has for over a decade supported smallholder farmers in improving both production and adherence to international standards.

 “Through this partnership, FEMU Ltd has developed a farmer-friendly system to guide rice cultivation in Mbalali in line with global market standards,” he added.

 He concluded by stating that this initiative is already yielding benefits, allowing local farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices and significantly improve their livelihoods.