FOR years, fraudulent practices involving weighing scales during the crop-selling season have led to significant financial losses for Tanzanian farmers.

Manipulated scales and dishonest dealings have resulted in farmers receiving payments far below the actual value of their crops.

To address this issue, the government has implemented a new solution starting in the 2024/2025 farming season. The new digital weighing scales integrated with the Electronic Cooperative Management System (MUVU) will enhance transparency and accountability in crop measurements.

Dr Benson Ndiege, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), emphasized the importance of this initiative during an interview last week.

"Beginning this season, various crops, including cashews, will be weighed using digital scales to eliminate discrepancies in crop measurements and ensure farmers receive fair payments," said Dr Ndiege.

To facilitate the transition, the government has already distributed 3,000 digital scales, valued at 8bn/-, to cooperative societies in southern regions for use in cashew farming.

Southern regions (Lindi, Mtwara and Ruvuma) have 700 cooperative societies with multiple crop collection points whereas the introduction of digital scales will help reduce fraud; ensuring farmers receive fair payments for their produce.

"These scales are designed to eliminate fraudulent practices that previously led to financial losses for farmers while benefiting a few dishonest individuals," Dr Ndiege explained.

The digital scales will provide real-time data on crop sales and values, accessible not only to cooperatives and the Registrar’s office but also directly to farmers via their mobile phones.

"With this system, when a farmer weighs their sesame or cashew, they will receive a text message with the weight and the exact payment amount," he noted.

This real-time data sharing ensures complete transparency, eliminating room for manipulation. By integrating the weighing process with the MUVU system, every transaction will be recorded and monitored, protecting farmers from potential fraud.

Beyond ensuring fair payments, the digital system is expected to reduce the operational costs of cooperatives. Previously, farmers—especially those in remote areas—had to travel long distances to obtain updates on crop sales and pricing. 

With the new system, all relevant information will be sent directly to their mobile devices.

"Without accurate data, managing cooperative activities becomes a challenge. This system will not only improve information accessibility but also streamline operations within cooperatives," Dr Ndiege added.

Additionally, the system will improve communication between the government, cooperatives and other agricultural stakeholders, ensuring smooth coordination of responsibilities.

The government’s long-term goal is to integrate all major crops into the MUVU system, ensuring transparency in weighing and payments while strengthening tax collection mechanisms.

"We have already distributed 2,000 digital scales to coffee farmers and plan to provide 4,000 more for cotton farmers in Lake Zone, one of Tanzania’s key cotton-producing regions," Dr. Ndiege announced.

This commitment highlights the government’s determination to tackle fraud in crop weighing through modern technology.

In Lindi, Regional Administrative Secretary Zuwena Jiri confirmed that 750 digital scales have been allocated for cashew and sesame farmers in the 2024/2025 season. She urged cooperative leaders to ensure the proper use of the equipment.

"I trust that everyone has been trained on how to use these scales correctly, so I expect full compliance with the government’s objectives," she said.

Omari Hamidu, the Cooperative Officer for Mtwara Municipality (Mikindani), welcomed the move, stating that out-dated manual scales had previously been manipulated to the detriment of farmers.

"Those old scales did not provide accurate readings, and farmers were underpaid. Now, with digital scales, they will receive precise measurements and fair payments," Hamidu noted.

Farmers have also expressed optimism about the system. Hassan Mpako, a cashew farmer from Liwale District in Lindi Region, described the MUVU system as a game-changer.

"Since key agricultural stakeholders have been trained on the system’s operation, there will be no room for manipulation. Farmers will finally receive payments that reflect their hard work," Mpako said.

He highlighted that training has been provided to assistant registrars for regional cooperative unions, cooperative officers, managers, and chairpersons of major cooperative unions across the Ruvuma, Lindi, and Mtwara regions.

The introduction of digital weighing scales marks a significant milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to protect farmers from fraud and ensure equitable earnings. 

By integrating technology into agricultural trade, the government is paving the way for a more transparent, efficient, and farmer-friendly marketplace—one where every farmer is paid what they rightfully deserve.