FARMERS and livestock keepers in Zanzibar have been urged to adopt sound financial management practices as a foundation for sustainable growth and improved livelihoods.

The advice was delivered by Angelina Nyansambo, a senior business development officer with the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), during the launch of a financial literacy training session organized for smallholder farmers and livestock keepers across the islands.

Nyansambo emphasized that access to financial services alone is not enough to transform agricultural productivity unless accompanied by knowledge on budgeting, saving and responsible borrowing.

“Many farmers fail to achieve their goals even after receiving loans or investing in livestock,” she said. “This is often due to limited understanding of how to manage finances. Without clear plans and discipline, the impact of financial support remains minimal.”

The training aimed to address common challenges that rural producers face when handling finances, including lack of recordkeeping, mixing household and business funds, and underestimating the importance of savings.

Nyansambo pointed out that TADB is committed to empowering rural communities by offering affordable agricultural loans tailored to their specific needs. She noted that the bank has increased its outreach to women and youth, who often face greater barriers in accessing credit.

“Financial inclusion must go hand in hand with financial education,” she said. “We want our clients not only to access funds but also to use them effectively to expand their farms, increase yields, and build resilience.”

She also encouraged employed individuals who plan to transition into farming after retirement to start early and prepare adequately.

“Too many people begin farming only after leaving formal employment, thinking it's easy money. But successful farming requires planning, experience, and financial preparedness. It should be a planned journey, not a retirement experiment,” she warned.

Participants of the session expressed gratitude for the training, noting that it filled important knowledge gaps and increased their confidence in dealing with banks.

“I used to fear borrowing money, thinking it would leave me worse off,” said Mwanaidi Juma, a poultry keeper from Unguja. “Now I understand how to budget, track expenses, and use loans productively. I’m ready to expand my business.”

TADB officials said similar training sessions will continue in other parts of the country, aiming to reach more smallholder farmers with practical skills for financial empowerment.