COCOA farmers in Kyela District, Mbeya Region, have launched an initiative to establish a local processing plant aimed at adding value to their crop and ending reliance on exporting raw harvests.

Speaking during Mbeya Regional Commissioner Dr Juma Homera’s recent development project inspection tour, Acting Manager of the Kyela Cocoa Farmers’ Cooperative Union (KYECU), Nabii Emmanuel, said the factory project has already begun receiving funding from farmer contributions.

“We introduced a deduction of 50/- for every kilogramme of cocoa sold to raise money for the factory. We piloted the system and it has proven successful,” he said. He noted that the scheme began last year, initially to fund purchase of moisture meters, tablets and photocopy machines—an effort that achieved full success.

“In a short period, we raised over 500m/- which we used to buy 40 moisture meters, 40 digital weighing scales and 40 tablets for use by primary agricultural cooperatives (AMCOS),” he said. Emmanuel emphasized that once the factory is completed, it will eliminate the export of low-value raw cocoa and allow farmers to reap more from processed products.

“We ask the government to allow us to continue with this self-financing model,” he added. Kyela MP Ally Jumbe underscored the factory’s importance, calling it a strategic move to increase earnings from cocoa. He praised Kyela's cocoa as being among the best globally and urged farmers and cooperatives not to lose momentum.

He credited the recent successes to the dedication of farmers, AMCOS, the union, and strong government oversight.  “In the past, cocoa prices were low but with current government efforts, prices have improved and farmers are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labor,” he said.

“Farmers can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have suffered for years, but the situation is improving. With these new modern tools, I believe we’ll go even further.”Dr Homera commended KYECU leadership for their innovation and reaffirmed government support for the factory project. He urged them to secure land for the facility so that construction can begin promptly once sufficient funds are raised.

He also emphasized the need to build a sales outlet for products from the factory to improve market access. “KYECU will soon become the primary buyer of local cocoa, setting slightly higher prices to outcompete other buyers—ultimately benefiting farmers,” he said.

He added that cocoa has become one of the region’s most profitable cash crops, with proceeds already funding major initiatives like the construction of Cocoa Girls Secondary School in Kyela.