Matilda – queen of herbs and spices. The story of a young woman’s journey into research and entrepreneurship

Matilda Mtei holding herbs and spices that she harvested from the World Vegetable Center’s TechHub at the Center’s research facility in Arusha, Tanzania

Matilda always had a passion for plants, from her early days spent tending the garden at her home in the lush hills of Arusha region in Tanzania. Her studies at Sokoine University of Agriculture where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in horticulture strengthened her interest in plant sciences. After her studies, she was accepted for internship at the World Vegetable in Arusha as part of the cohort that went through an intensive training and mentoring programme as part of building the interns employable skills.

In 2022 the World Vegetable Center, in partnership with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and some private sector companies, initiated the Vegetable Technologies Hub (VegTechHub) to provide horticulture information and practical skills to various stakeholders (agribusiness entrepreneurs, school children, extension workers, and farmers). The VegTechHub contains a wide array of crops including herbs and spices. Matilda found her calling among rows of vibrant vegetables and the aromatic allure of spices. “The training we received during my internship here ignited my passion for spices, Matilda explained. “We thoroughly examined every spice and herb cultivated at the Center. We researched their composition, availability, and methods of cultivation in Tanzania.” Her passion for these crops has inspired Matilda to look beyond their culinary value, recognizing their nutritional and medicinal potential as well as their economic potential.

Spices and herbs are distinctive crops, cultivated by relatively few farmers despite growing awareness about their nutritional and medicinal values. They typically mature within two months. Their aromatic properties can deter insects, reducing the need for pesticides during cultivation. “During my primary and secondary school days, my understanding of spices was basic and mostly theoretical,” she added. “I learned about them through photographs. I was interested but there was no opportunity to interact with the plants. Even at Sokoine University of Agriculture where I undertook my degree studies, the coverage of herbs and spices in the curriculum was cursory. It was not until I came to the World Vegetable Center that I discovered the new world of herbs and spices. I got exposed to the diverse varieties of spices and herbs. This experience far exceeded my expectations, introducing me to many species, their cultivation methods, and their aromatic products including essential oils.”

Matilda is currently managing the Vegetable Technologies Hub, and in this capacity, she is in charge of organizing regular training sessions for a wide variety of clientele. In collaboration with private sector partners, Matilda organizes and facilitates the monthly farmer field events. Given the increasing popularity of the Hub, she also organizes events for school children, tourist groups, government officials, and others who are interested in herbs and spices. Over time, Matilda has gained competence and confidence to speak about herbs and spices. She oversees land preparation, weeding, pruning, and provides guidance on planting techniques, pest management and optimal harvesting methods to ensure high quality yields. Her comprehensive approach to training ensures that local farmers are well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully grow and manage their spice and herb crops.

Matilda proudly explains, “In the last four months, my team and I have conducted training sessions that have reached more than 300 farmers under the ‘farmer field day’ program. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and there is strong demand for spice seeds across Tanzania. We’ve also trained our partners and supplied schools with seeds and seedlings.”

Matilda’s entrepreneurship streak has enabled her to serve in various leadership capacities. She has recently served as secretary of the youth agribusiness group – VIABLE – which has now been transformed into a fully-fledged company. “But working with young people isn’t always easy” she reflects. “Young people often seek quick results without putting in the necessary effort. What we’re undertaking here requires patience and a willingness to take risks.”

Matilda envisions the impact of herbs and spices beyond the Hub. She has been leading efforts to conduct market surveys. She would like to see herbs and spices gracing the tables of prestigious hotels, enhancing dishes with their flavors and enriching diets with their nutritional benefits. The economic potential of spices is not lost on her. She envisions local farmers benefiting from their cultivation, bolstering their incomes from the demand for high quality spices.

As years have passed, Matilda’s expertise has flourished and her efforts are bearing fruit. Farmers are increasingly interested in planting them, and traders are keen to supply them to consumers. Through her work, Matilda has become not just a scientist but a champion of herbs and spices, advocating for their role in nutrition and economic growth. Her journey from an intern to respected researcher and entrepreneur is now inspiring a new generation of agriculturalists and spice enthusiasts.

Matilda is an excellent example of how an innovative, passionate, curious, hardworking young person can grow professionally. In Tanzania, agricultural science is still a man’s domain. Matilda is shattering the glass ceiling and showing, by example, that women are equal to the task. Matilda is a true queen of herbs spices. A strong advocate for their conservation, cultivation and use. She is an example to be emulated. And that too, is happening.