A Ground breaking inclusion drive has been initiated by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) to integrate people with disabilities into the horticulture value chain.

Dr Jacqueline Mkindi, the TAHA chief executive officer, has underscored the importance of mainstreaming diversity and inclusion in agriculture, such that the move enables people with disabilities in northern Tanzania to have renewed hope.

The program, launched as part of TAHA’s 20th anniversary activities, is meant to challenge long-standing habits and empower people with disabilities to link up with and benefit from the thriving export oriented sector.

Officiating at a one-day conference here yesterday themed "Exploring horticultural opportunities for people with disabilities," she said TAHA efforts will show that horticulture can be a powerful tool for social transformation when it becomes inclusive.

TAHA is committed to creating equal opportunities in the horticultural industry through tailored training, accessible infrastructure and strategic partnerships that address the specific needs of people with disabilities, she explained.

This inclusion initiative is geared to rolling out training programmes, setting up demonstration farms and mentorship opportunities tailored for people with disabilities in the coming months, she said.

The association is also advocating for policies that promote accessibility and economic equity in agriculture,  as the horticulture sector—one of the country’s fastest-growing industries—employs hundreds of thousands and contributes significantly to GDP and export earnings.

“By opening the sector to people with disabilities, TAHA hopes to broaden the base of beneficiaries while fostering inclusive economic development,” the CEO asserted.

By utilizing adaptive technologies and accessible farming practices, these individuals can contribute significantly to the industry from planting to processing, thus achieving dignified and rewarding employment while fostering a sense of purpose, she elaborated.

Passionately advocating for equality and the reduction of economic disparities through inclusivity, she highlighted plans to establish demonstration farms across the northern zone to impart practical skills.

“As part of our broad mission to create millionaires, TAHA will establish demonstration farms owned and managed by people with disabilities in the northern zone to act as learning avenues for other people with disabilities and fully able people on climate-smart, best agricultural practices and cutting-edge technologies” she further noted.

This initiative, launched in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), Trias East Africa, and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), is expected to demonstrate that disability is not inability, by creating role models and champions in the industry, she declared.

Beneficiaries Nicodemus Zakayo, Dora Shoo and Florian Kanjanika in their expressions of gratitude and calls for nationwide implementation of the programme, said its expansion will ensure that no one is left behind. This will foster social justice while unlocking untapped potential, they said.

Joyce Tesha, the World Food Programme (WFP) representative, commended TAHA for its outstanding initiative, saying the agency is working with TAHA to propel true equality in the horticulture sector.

She expressed her eagerness to learn more about the program. Neema Mollel, the TRIAS East Africa project advisor, remarked that the newly launched programme is in line with the NGO’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.