Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has announced the launch of its agro-scholarship programme dubbed: ‘Kilimo Viwanda’ that among other things seeks to boosting agricultural productivity and enhance food security.
This year’s initiative has opened window that offers hundreds of new scholarships to young talents with agribusiness aspirations from unprivileged economic backgrounds.
According to atatement issued by the company, the new scholarship window that is expected to open in a few days adds value to the sector value chain, particularly to improve the healthy uptake of commercial farming and its associated practices.
Qualified applicants will be sponsored to study in any of the four institutions: St Maria Goretti Agriculture Training Institute, Kilacha Agricultural and Livestock Training Centre in Kilimanjaro, Kaole Wazazi College of Agriculture in Bagamoyo coast region and Igabiro Training Institute of Agriculture in Bukoba region.
On a broader scale, agricultural extension officers bring outstanding value to the sector’s development. Graduates return to the farmlands at the end of the line to propel better farming practices.
The latter includes facilitating farmers’ group formation and advice in making better decisions to increase agricultural production and, promoting collaboration in implementing projects and programs, ensuring good relations/ communication between the research centre and farmers.
Over the past years, the program has demonstrated its relevance and vitality in supporting the government’s efforts to transform the agriculture industry from an ordinary practice to a high-level operating sector.
The Kilimo Viwanda program was recognized and awarded following a survey conducted by The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) in collaboration with the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) and the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) to identify employers who support the development of vocational skills in the country.
According to SBL’s Corporate Relations Director John Wanyancha, to date, the program has empowered more than 200 beneficiaries who stand to bring valuable efforts in expanding markets for cash and food crops and enhance innovation and productivity across all crucial farming points. \
“We believe this program will go a long way in strengthening the existing pool of agricultural experts in the country, which is necessary for helping farmers increase productivity and ultimately their incomes,” Wanyancha said
