Agribusinesses, whether small, medium or large, must develop relationships all along the value chain to succeed, particularly with financial service providers—key partners in the success of any agribusiness venture. To help agriculture entrepreneurs connect with credit and other services, AVRDC Eastern and Southern Africa hosted the 4th Agri-Finance Fair on 25-26 April 2014 in Arusha, Tanzania.

The event, an initiative of Agri-ProFocus, a global partnership that promotes farmer entrepreneurship in developing countries, was organized by Agri-Hub Tanzania, a partnership of 48 companies and institutions including SNV, Trias, the Tanzania Horticulture Association (TAHA), Fert, Farmers Pride, and the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA).

More than 600 growers, input dealers, processors and financial service providers attended the vibrant fair on the Eastern and Southern Africa campus. The fair was opened by Nyerembe Munasa Sabi, Arumeru District Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Bank of Tanzania Arusha Branch Manager and the heads of the fair organizers. AVRDC Regional Director Thomas Dubois welcomed all attending dignitaries, farmers and exhibitors.

Thirty-two exhibitors including five banks, five financial institutions, 15 capacity builders, five input service providers, one umbrella organization and one agribusiness service provider beckoned participants to their displays (including AVRDC, with a showcase of improved seed and postharvest technologies). In four seminars, participants learned how to write bankable business plans, the role of stock exchanges as a source for capital, proper management of credit funds, and the role of savings and credit cooperatives.

The fair helps to bridge the gap in the supply and demand for agricultural finance. Direct contact between growers and agribusinesses from Northern Tanzania and local and regional financial service providers is the first step in building the relationships needed to reduce the financial challenges faced by businesses in the agriculture sector.

Farmers need up-to-date information on finance as well as increased financial literacy to capitalize on business opportunities. Jacqueline Mkindi, TAHA Executive Director, was very excited about the outcome of the fair, and expressed interest in collaborating with the Center for future joint fairs.