From seed to success: one farmer’s journey in transforming farming in Tanzania

Mr Akonaay with a fellow farmer at the WorldVeg exhibition booth during a recent seed fair

“Quality onions come from quality seeds. That is the key lesson we have learned, and it is changing our lives,” says Michael Slaa Akonaay, a passionate onion farmer from Dumbechand village in northern Tanzania. Michael, who serves as the Secretary of the Ujamaa Farmers’ Group, is among 3,700 farmers in Karatu District benefiting from the Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) project. This transformative initiative, coordinated by the World Vegetable Center in partnership with World Vision Tanzania, has reshaped his approach to onion farming and elevated his family’s livelihood.

Michael and his wife Juliana, both with primary school education, have always believed in the power of farming to enable them to educate their children, with one now a nurse, another pursuing studies at the National Institute of Transport, and two still in primary school. However, their path to success was not always straightforward. “Before the AID-I project, we relied on traditional farming methods and used any seeds we could find, often with poor results,” Michael recalls. His farm yielded only 50 bags of onions per acre during low seasons and no more than 70 bags even in the best conditions. Lacking knowledge about advanced practices, he and his group faced many challenges, including inconsistent yields and limited market access.

In 2023, the AID-I project brought new hope to farmers like Michael. Supported by USAID through CIMMYT, the initiative is boosting productivity, income, and resilience among smallholder farmers across Tanzania. Through partnerships with local government agencies and stakeholders, WorldVeg introduced innovative technologies, quality seeds, and market linkages.

Results were remarkable. Michael and his group tripled their onion production area from two to six acres, dedicating two acres to seed production and four to growing fresh onions. “The training and seeds provided by the project transformed our yields. We now harvest up to 120 bags per acre, more than double what we managed before,” Michael shares proudly. The group has also embraced climate-smart practices such as efficient irrigation and integrated crop management. Beyond production, the project has empowered farmers with business and marketing skills. Michael’s group has moved towards cooperative marketing and contract farming, securing better prices for their produce. In 2023, they earned TZS 25 million through farmgate sales and orders. Events like the TANZANITE Manyara Trade Fair have further increased their visibility, enabling them to connect with new buyers and expand their market reach.

In addition to the training and technical support, WorldVeg and its partners facilitated Michael’s participation in a live radio broadcast and seed fair that significantly elevated Michael’s profile and boosted demand for his produce. Through the radio session, Michael shared his inspiring journey and highlighted the quality of his onions and seeds, while the seed fair provided direct market linkages with buyers. As a result, he received numerous inquiries and orders, further expanding his market reach. “The live radio session and seed fair were game changers for us. People began calling immediately after the broadcast, and the seed fair helped us connect with buyers directly.” Michael explains.

Michael speaking during a live radio broadcasting, sharing his experience with fellow farmers.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. High costs particularly for irrigation, and market inconsistencies, still hinder progress. However, the group has taken proactive steps to address these issues by forming cooperative unions to advocate for fair packaging practices and exploring sustainable water solutions. Michael envisions an even brighter future. “In five years, we want to evolve into a company that processes and packages onions and seeds, making them more competitive in the market,” he says. The group aims to cultivate 20 acres by 2026, supported by training and facilitation from WorldVeg and others like the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).

Reflecting on his journey, Michael offers advice to fellow farmers: “Follow expert guidance, use quality seeds, and take advantage of training from development partners. It makes all the difference.” His story is proof of the transformative power of knowledge and innovation. From humble beginnings, Michael and his group are now at the forefront of onion farming in Tanzania, inspiring others to dream big and work hard for a sustainable future.

Jeremiah Sigalla, Inviolate Mosha and Erick Njau

This project is part of the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID¬I) Rapid Delivery Hub, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It is implemented by the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and with key support from the government of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) and local partners Zanzibar Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), Milele Zanzibar Foundation, World Vision Tanzania, Iles de Paix (IDP), Rikolto, Kilimo Trust, Sustainable Agricultural Improvement Program (SAIPRO), Holland Greentech, Floresta, Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Authority (ZEEA), Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), and Practical Permaculture Institute of Zanzibar (PPIZ).