Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to develop comprehensive proposals that effectively articulate strategies for scaling up the adoption of climate-smart crop varieties and enhancing accessibility to certified commercial seeds of superior quality.
These proposals should not only demonstrate innovation but also contribute to the advancement of Tanzania’s seed sector by focusing on improving efficiency, productivity, and fostering market growth.
It is important to note that support will only be directed towards availing seeds of food crops, with a specific emphasis on promoting climate-resilient crop varieties. Potential investees are encouraged to explore the commercialization of legumes and pulses that can be utilized in various climate-smart agriculture approaches, as well as the promotion of essential nutrient-dense crops that possess high market potential. By focusing on developing such crops, the proposals should contribute to meeting market demands and enhancing the profitability of the agricultural sector.
This funding opportunity primarily targets the scaling of crop varieties originating from the public sector. Thus, proposals should emphasise the utilisation and dissemination of publicly available varieties while ensuring their successful expansion throughout Tanzania.
In order to ensure the success of the presented business models, it is essential to address the following key factors:
- Ensuring access and affordability of climate-resilient and nutritious crop seeds for smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania: The models must include strategies to enable smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania to access and afford seeds of climate-resilient and nutritious crop varieties. This can be achieved through working with sales agents that are located in rural regions as well as demonstrating other viable seed distribution pathways.
- Demonstrating the availability and readiness of the end/output market for the climate-resilient crop varieties: To ensure the success of the models, it is crucial to demonstrate the existence of a viable market for the crop varieties being produced. This includes considering factors such as market size, location, and growth trends. Additionally, the models should showcase some level of commitment from end buyers to purchase the crop varieties, indicating their readiness to off-take the products.
- Understanding end market requirements and developing supply chain investments: A clear understanding of the requirements of the end market is essential. This includes considering factors such as the quantity, variety, quality, and price that the market demands. The models should outline a plan for meeting these market requirements and highlight the necessary investments along the supply chain to ensure the successful delivery of the crop varieties to the end market.
- Facilitating access to a bundled package of inputs for smallholder farmers: To maximise yield, it is important to demonstrate alternative pathways for smallholder farmers to access a bundled package of inputs. These inputs may include not only seeds but also fertilisers, pesticides, and other necessary resources. The models should outline strategies such as group purchasing, cooperative farming, or partnerships with input suppliers to provide smallholder farmers with affordable and comprehensive input packages.
- Engaging women and youth for Programme benefits: The models must address how women and youth will be specifically engaged to benefit from the Programme. This may involve tailored training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and targeted support to empower women and youth in agriculture.