Zanzibar farmers decry power, poor roads and weak markets
Farmers in Zanzibar are struggling with poor infrastructure, including unreliable electricity and damaged roads, which are hindering agricultural productivity. They are also calling for better market access and protection against counterfeit farm inputs.
Why it matters
These logistical and economic challenges directly threaten the food security and livelihoods of local agricultural communities in Zanzibar.
Unguja. Farmers in Unguja South have asked the government to address unreliable electricity, poor roads, counterfeit farm inputs and weak markets that they say are undermining agricultural production.
The farmers, mainly producing vegetables and fruits, raised the concerns yesterday during a visit by Zanzibar Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Mr Suleiman Masoud Makame, to Bwejuu, Paje and Mtule villages.
A farmer and secretary of the local farmers’ association, Mr Hamdani Makame Kidoza, said low electricity voltage was making it difficult to operate irrigation pumps.
“The long distance, with as many as 56 poles from the transformer, causes the electricity voltage to drop, making it difficult to provide enough water to crops such as tomatoes,” he said.
He also complained about poor-quality inputs and pesticides suspected to be counterfeit, saying some failed to control pests and instead worsened the problem.
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