Tanzania Breweries partners with CRDB Bank Foundation to empower barley farmers 

TANZANIA – Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), a subsidiary of Diageo, has partnered with the CRDB Bank Foundation to implement the Barley Farming Pre-financing Seed Capital Scheme.  

This collaborative effort aims to empower small-holder farmers in Tanzania, providing them with financial support, connections, and skills to boost productivity and optimize natural resources. 

TBL and the CRDB Bank Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a pivotal moment in TBL’s commitment to fostering sustainable farming methods and supporting local communities.  

Michelle Kilpin, Managing Director of TBL, said, “Through the joint efforts of TBL and CRDB Bank Foundation, we strive to greatly elevate the barley sector and improve the economic well-being of small-holder farmers in Tanzania.  

Our partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving positive change and generating value for all stakeholders. With this significant milestone achieved, we are optimistic that it will ignite similar initiatives nationwide, inspiring others to follow suit.” 

As part of TBL’s Smart Agriculture Initiative, the Barley Farming Pre-financing Seed Capital Scheme aims to equip 100% of its direct farmers by 2025, ensuring they are skilled, connected, and financially empowered.  

By focusing on cultivating sorghum, barley, and grapes, essential resources for TBL’s operations, the initiative directly supports farmers in enhancing productivity and leveraging natural resources efficiently. 

Through this alliance, TBL and the CRDB Bank Foundation seek to integrate financially empowered criteria into their smart agriculture framework, enabling farmers to adopt sustainable practices that promote environmental stewardship and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.  

This partnership underscores TBL’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2, 12, 13, and 17. 

The CRDB Bank Foundation’s Managing Director, Ms. Tully Esther Mwambapa, highlighted the success of the iMbeju program, which has trained around 250,000 women and provided seed capital to the tune of TZS 5 billion.  

The iMbeju program aims to boost the barley sector and enhance the economic welfare of small-holder farmers across Manyara, Karatu, and Monduli Districts for the 2024 agriculture season. 

The MoU includes a comprehensive framework for collaboration, detailing roles, responsibilities, and operational mechanisms to ensure the scheme’s success.  

TBL and the CRDB Bank Foundation will work together to prioritize livelihood improvement, promote sustainable agricultural practices, facilitate capacity building, and increase yields and incomes for farmers. 

This partnership signifies a significant step towards combining resources, expertise, and a commitment to sustainability. 

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