RESIDENTS of Amani Division in Muheza District in Tanga Region, considers spice farming as a game changer with most of them having their livelihood improved.

In Amani Division which is within the Usambara Mountains—part of the Eastern Arc Mountains almost all the villagers engage in spice farming to generate an income. Spice farming is considered as a cash crop with most of the cultivating cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper and tea.

The Eastern Arc is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting a variety of unique plant and animal species. These mountains are important for water catchment and agriculture

Most of the villagers had their lives changed significantly, linking the successes with the presence of stakeholders such as the GFP Organics Limited that has greatly helped in improving spice farming as well as assuring farmers with a reliable market. 

The organic spices processing house at Kwamhosi village, Nkumba ward which is operated by GFP Organics Limited also empowers villagers through temporary and permanent jobs whereas 98 percent of the labourers are women. From farming to processing, packaging, and transportation, many villagers are involved in different aspects of the spice value chain.

GFP is supported by the USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili project—a five-year initiative which addresses threats to wildlife movement and biodiversity in Tanzania. The firm helps farmers to improve agricultural practices, gain better market access and contribute to environmental conservation efforts through sustainable farming.

Magreth David, Operation Manager, GFP Organics Limited said they have been providing technical training and support to farmers on sustainable and organic farming practices. 

“The train we provide not only helps to improve the quality and yields but also equips farmers with knowledge that can be applied to other types of agriculture, fostering long-term sustainability. The skills gained in organic farming methods also improve farmers' understanding of environmental conservation, soil health, and biodiversity,” she stated.

According to David, adoption of organic farming methods, benefits the environment by reducing the use of harmful chemicals, thus contributes to soil health and conservation of ecosystems. 

David said they started working closely with the USAID Tuhifadhi Malisili in 2023 whereas a number of successes have been recorded which includes an increased spice yields and increased production of spice seedlings. She said throughout the period, more than 60,000 seedlings of black pepper and cloves were produced and distributed to farmers free of charge.

She said the factory has a capacity to purchase up to 80,000 tonnes of cloves and 150,000 tonnes of black pepper, calling upon farmers to further increase production as the global demand for organically produced spices is still high.   

“We assist farmers to obtain certification for their organically produced spices at international markets. Certification is often required to meet international standards for organic and sustainable products, it increases the value of the spices and open-up opportunities for farmers to access global markets,” said David, adding the company works with 654 farmers, of which 120 are youth.

Eric Joseph, Quality Control Officer at GFP Organics Limited said they are training farmers on how to make organic repellent to kill and control pests. He said locally made repellent are cheap but do not harm both crops and the environment. 

Jospeh mentioned some of the natural pesticides that farmers are trained to use as soap solution, neem seed cake, chilli powder, garlic powder, sodium carbonate and rabbit urine.

“Using organic insecticides conserves biodiversity; farmers do apply compost and manure to not attract pests. Using rabbit urine as an organic pesticide is beneficial since it also acts as a biofertilizer,” said Joseph, adding they are keeping 30 rabbits and have put in place cages to facilitate collection of urine.

A game changer

Kwezitu Village Executive Officer, Agnes Mpapa, said that spice farming is a game changer to villagers, adding that organic farming training provided by GFP Organics Limited has helped to increase production and quality of the crops.

“Spice farming has transformed our lives. The number of youth engaging on spice farming has also increased with most of them establishing nurseries where they produce seedlings for sale, as well as planting them on their own farms,” said Mpapa.

Wallace Kimweri, a resident of Kwezitu village, thanked USAID through the Tuhifadhi Maliasili project, saying he received training on how to grow and harvest cloves. He said despite a few challenges, such as market access, clove farming has significantly changed his life.

Muheza District Agricultural Officer, Sylvester Mzirai said: “Spice farming has largely contributed in improving the welfare of villagers in Amani Division. He said apart from empowering them economically, a number of youth have secured jobs.

Economic empowerment  

In collaboration with the district government, GFP Organics Limited helps farmers to establish community microfinance groups where they save and can quickly access low-interest loans.

Muheza District Social Development Officer, Anania Mandia said they have been conducting public meetings to educate villagers on the importance and benefits of forming community microfinance groups.

“This project has been successful as more youth have ventured into spice farming. There are 22 community microfinance groups in Amani Division,” he added.

Emily Emmanuel, Secretary of the Tumaini Group, said that unlike before, loans are now disbursed through a special system, and the money is well managed. She said most group members apply for loans to boost their farming activities as well as purchasing school requirements for their children.

“I was given 350,000/- which I used to clean up my farm and I have successfully repaid the loan,” she said, adding the groups have reduced villagers' dependence on forest, as many have started small businesses and vegetable gardens where they generate income.

Esther Mzalia, from Kwezitu village said: “We no longer go for high-interest loans. Through these loans, many women are economically independent; they have started small businesses and stopped selling their crops prematurely.

“Most of us were selling spices prematurely due to financial challenges. This resulted in losses since we sold our crops at low prices compared to the actual market price,” Mzalia said, adding the money she earns from selling spices has enabled her to start building a house.

Amina Kilua, a member of Tukae Organic Farming Group at Msasa IBC village, said through clove farming, they are also conserving the environment. She thanked GFP Organics Limited for helping them to form the group as they are now selling the crops after harvesting.

Msasa IBC Village Chairman, Alloyce Kibiriti, said through donor-funded projects, citizens have received an adequate supply of seedlings, especially cloves, which were distributed for free. He said spices are a major cash crop in Amani Division, and the benefits are evident as the lives of the people have improved.

Kazita Village Chairman, William Hiza said he has been engaging on clove farming for years. He added: “I used the money to take my children to school; they all reached university level. 

Hiza gas also been able to build a house from the monies he got through clove farming.