Tanzania

Country Context

Tanzania is a coastal country in East Africa with nearly 70 million people and one of the youngest populations in the region. While the country has seen steady economic growth in recent years, more than 25 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and food and nutrition insecurity remain widespread. Agriculture remains central to livelihoods, employing most of the workforce and contributing significantly to the national economy. About 50 percent of Tanzania’s land is suitable for farming, yet much of this potential remains untapped, with the sector driven largely by smallholder farmers who face persistent challenges, including limited land size and productivity; uneven access to innovation, mechanization and finance; and gaps in rural infrastructure.

These constraints have serious consequences for rural families. Women farmers in particular encounter greater barriers to accessing resources and opportunities, despite playing a critical role in food production. Recognizing the importance of agriculture in addressing poverty and hunger, the Tanzanian government has prioritized investment in the sector as part of its development agenda. With inclusive, market-oriented approaches — especially those that support women and engage young people — agriculture holds strong potential to drive more equitable growth and lasting change.

Our Response

Heifer has worked alongside farmers and partners in Tanzania for 50 years. Our approach is tailored to current needs and development goals, embracing partnerships with the government and public and private sectors to strengthen select value chains that are inclusive of and profitable for smallholder farmers.

Our projects prioritize engaging women and youth; unlocking access to technology, innovation and finance; providing technical and business support to help farmers and farmer producer organizations collectively expand their operations; and facilitating market connections to create a foundation for sustainable agricultural growth.

Our primary objective is helping families achieve a sustainable living income, our measure for the amount of money required for a decent life — including safe shelter, nutritious food, clothing, education and health care — while also reaching additional benchmarks for economic and climate resilience.

The Tanzania Signature Program 

Heifer International’s work is organized at the country level into signature programs focused on large-scale, measurable and sustainable impact achieved by building partnerships at all levels. Each program supports farmers through time-bound projects designed to increase their household income. 

TRANSFORM 

Heifer’s signature program in Tanzania, TRANSFORM, aims to reach 400,000 smallholder farmers by 2030, with a focus on women and youth. The program focuses on agricultural productivity, access to innovation and technology, finance and reliable markets where farmers can sell their products. Through this approach, TRANSFORM will support the shift toward more inclusive, market-driven food systems that help farmers build resilient and viable livelihoods.