WFP enters into a pact with Tanzania Social Action Fund to strengthen food security

TANZANIA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), a Government Department responsible for safety net programmes, have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen food security for 300,000 vulnerable families.

Under this agreement, WFP will provide US$ 725,000 to TASAF to strengthen food security related activities and encourage community participation in the design of the programmes.

Vulnerable families who are part of the social protection programme will come together to construct important community assets like schools, health centres and water sources.

They will also support the design of income generating opportunities that will see them through the lean season when food stocks run low.

“Social protection programmes are critical as they provide a safety net ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to basic needs such as food and essential services.

“We need to strengthen existing Government safety-net systems to ensure adequate support reaches those who need it and no one is left behind,” said WFP Country Director and Representative in Tanzania, Sarah Gordon-Gibson.

Part of WFP’s support includes the use of digital technology, including a mobile app that will manage beneficiary payments and enhance data collection and monitoring to further optimize TASAF’s public works activities.

 “We greatly appreciate this support from WFP which is timely as we expand the coverage of our public works programme. This indeed has come at an opportune time where community participation in project planning is enhanced. 

“Through your support, we also look forward to rolling out the digital platform which has been efficiently developed to capture data in the payment process,” said Mr Ladislaus Mwamanga, Executive Director, TASAF.

“We need to strengthen existing Government safety-net systems to ensure adequate support reaches those who need it and no one is left behind.”

WFP Country Director and Representative in Tanzania – Sarah Gordon-Gibson

Agribusiness Confederation of East Africa launches platform targeting private sector

Meanwhile, the Agribusiness Confederation of East Africa (ACEA) has launched the ACEA Buyer-Seller platform.

ACEA is the regional apex body for private sector associations and federations in the agriculture sector.

The organization aims to enhance inter-regional trade by identifying and promoting agriculture business opportunities within and outside the EAC region.

The ACEA Buyer-Seller platform seeks to connect players in the agriculture value chains.

Through the platform, they will have access to a regional market and get to know other players in agribusiness around the East African community.

The ACEA looks to develop an online platform in the future where the buyers and sellers can transact and finalize their business deals within the platform which will be integrated with the ACEA website.