Organic farmers in Tanzania’s Mtwara say high prices drive buyers away
Organic farmers and processors in Mtwara, southern Tanzania, say they cannot find reliable markets because buyers think their products cost too much. They raised the problem at a forum on neglected nutritious crops, Mwananchi reported.
Organic farmers and traders in Mtwara, southern Tanzania, say they cannot find steady buyers for their goods. According to Mwananchi, they invest time, energy and money in growing and processing the products. Yet many buyers still turn away because of the price. The farmers raised the problem at a forum on forgotten nutritious crops and overlooked products. The meeting brought together farming and nutrition stakeholders from Mtwara Region to discuss the sector's opportunities and obstacles. The farmers said weak demand is holding back efforts to grow the business. Organic products need a special production and preparation process to protect their quality before they reach consumers. Caroline Moshi, an organic farmer and processor, said small buyers are the biggest challenge. Some customers understand that organic goods cost more because of how they are made. Others simply find the price too high. She gave the example of organic sesame oil. Buyers compare it with ordinary cooking oil and miss the difference in value and production. She said this leaves farmers and processors struggling to sell. Juma Balongo, a stakeholder who attended the forum, said communities still do not prioritise organic…
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