In the heart of Tanzania, a groundbreaking initiative named the Kizimba Model has taken root, revolutionizing the country's horticultural sector and sowing the seeds of transformation. This initiative, fostered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Horticultural Transformation for Inclusive Growth project, in collaboration with the Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO), is empowering 32 young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to flourish in the realm of horticulture and establish sustainable livelihoods.

The Kizimba Model showcases UNDP's firm dedication to empowering youth and sustainable development. It equips young minds with tools, resources, and backing, fostering a generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Each Mwana Kizimba embodies transformative youth potential, dispelling stereotypes and enhancing inclusivity in horticulture. Through partnerships, UNDP imparts skills, land access, and market connections, forming a foundation for personal and communal growth. This model underscores UNDP's commitment to youth and sustainable partnerships in Tanzania's sectors.

The Kizimba Business Model (KBM) innovates agricultural development, with market focus and collaboration for resilience. Its impact extends to job creation, each entrepreneur employing up to six people, spreading knowledge and sustainable practices. This ripples into the community, strengthening the local economy and well-being.

We were deeply inspired by the stories of Mwanahawa Ibrahim Mgobo and William Mutahangarwa, two remarkable individuals whose experiences vividly showcase the transformative prowess of the Kizimba Model. Their journeys not only signify personal and professional growth but also symbolize the paradigm shift underway in Tanzania's agricultural sector.

Mwanahawa Ibrahim Mgobo: Nurturing Dreams Through Agriculture

Mwanahawa's story is a testament to the transformative potential of the Kizimba Model. Having weathered a prolonged period of unemployment and volunteering at TANESCO, Mwanahawa found herself at a crossroads. Disheartened by dashed career prospects, she discovered renewed hope when she started learning about horticulture at SUGECO and eventually joined Kizimba. Here, her path intertwined with a newfound passion for agriculture. Equipped with training and guided by agronomists, Mwanahawa's agricultural ambitions in Alabama village bloomed, expanding her land by threefold as a dedicated "mwana Kizimba."

Armed with fresh knowledge, Mwanahawa anticipates a plentiful harvest of habanero chillies which will either be exported to Germany or sold to Darsh Industries in Iringa to be made into pilipili (chilli sauce), she is poised to channel her earnings toward her dream of becoming a thriving large-scale farmer. In embracing this initiative, she uncovered inspiration, a definitive goal, and a commitment to challenging gender norms. Her journey serves as an empowering beacon for other young women to embrace agricultural entrepreneurship, challenging conventions and illuminating a path towards gender equality in Tanzania's horticultural sphere. Through her experience, UNDP is amplifying the voices of youth, fostering gender inclusivity, and catalyzing sustainable development in the horticultural domain.

William Mutahangarwa: From Law to Horticulture, a Remarkable Transition

William Mutahangarwa's narrative mirrors the journey of transformation enabled by the Kizimba Model. A law graduate grappling with the harsh reality of unemployment, William sought solace at SUGECO, immersing himself in diverse agricultural activities. The fusion of hands-on experiences in horticulture, aquaculture, agri-business, and agricultural engineering with his legal background forged a formidable skill set. William's dedication led him to a coveted spot in the Kizimba Project, a turning point that reshaped his trajectory.

Now tending to 3 acres in Alabama village, William's sights are set on purchasing land for sustained farming post-Kizimba, inching closer to his aspiration of becoming a substantial large-scale farmer. His journey underscores the seamless integration of Mwana Kizimba into their new environment, embracing knowledge, technical prowess, land access, and market connections. The Kizimba Model serves as a conduit to crafting sustainable livelihoods while addressing the pressing concern of unemployment, spotlighting UNDP's dedication to propelling youth and nurturing their potential to bolster Tanzania's horticultural arena.

In summary, the Kizimba Model isn't just a concept; it's a transformation in motion. Supported by UNDP, driven by youth like Mwanahawa and William, and partnering with organizations like SUGECO, it echoes in fields, livelihoods, and lives. As Tanzanian horticulture evolves, the model shines as a beacon of youth empowerment, sustainable development, and impactful partnerships.