Cultivating opportunities for youth and women in Tanzanian agriculture

In Morogoro, eastern Tanzania, agriculture is gaining new meaning for young people and women. Through a collaboration between Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO) and PUM, farming is being repositioned as a professional, market-oriented business. It creates income, builds skills and opens up long-term prospects. What started as a pilot plot is now growing into a scalable agribusiness model with tangible results.

SUGECO is a cooperative linked to Sokoine University of Agriculture that supports graduates, youth and women to develop independent agribusinesses. Its Kizimba Business Model is designed to lower entry barriers by combining access to land with training, infrastructure and market-oriented production. Participants lease small plots and learn to manage their farms as businesses, including planning, investment and risk management.

From ambition to structured project

SUGECO approached PUM to strengthen the foundations of its agricultural programme and prepare for future growth. During the project on location, PUM expert Tjaart Hofman worked closely with the SUGECO team to translate ambition into a structured and financially sound approach, centred on the Lubungo site near Morogoro.

Initial business plans and lease agreements were reviewed and strengthened, clarifying roles, responsibilities and expectations for both the cooperative and the participating farmers. This created clearer pathways towards profitability and accountability. In parallel, detailed financial models were developed for the full 36-month lease period. These models give young entrepreneurs insight into cash flow, costs and returns, while also supporting access to external finance by demonstrating repayment capacity.

Laying the groundwork for sustainable growth

The collaboration also focused on long-term viability. Practical, low-cost storage solutions were designed to extend the shelf life of crops such as onions and improve price potential. Advice on soil and water analysis, crop rotation and integrated pest management helped establish sound agricultural practices that support productivity while protecting natural resources.

Equally important was the emphasis on operational discipline. Clear project planning, timelines and responsibilities were identified as essential for moving from pilot phase to commercial scale. Strengthening internal coordination has helped SUGECO manage its growing activities more professionally and prepare for expansion.

Early results and next steps

A 10-acre pilot at Lubungo has already delivered a successful first harvest of capsicum and tomatoes, demonstrating the viability of the model. Beyond production results, the project has strengthened SUGECO’s organisational capacity and created a clearer basis for scaling up the remaining land and involving more young entrepreneurs.

With a solid blueprint in place, SUGECO is now better positioned to attract finance, expand participation and replicate the model. The collaboration with PUM was part of turning agriculture into a credible, future-oriented business opportunity for youth and women in the region.