By Business Insider Reporter
Members of the National Networks of Farmers’ Groups in Tanzania (MVIWATA) have vowed to strengthen farmer-to-farmer solidarity, promote self-reliance, and coordinate collective efforts to build a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
The resolution was reached as over 670 smallholder farmers from across the country convened in Morogoro early last month for the 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the 33-year-old organisation, underscoring MVIWATA’s enduring role in shaping Tanzania’s agricultural development.
Held under the rallying spirit of “Mviwata, Sauti ya Mkulima” (MVIWATA, the farmer’s voice), the AGM served as a national platform for farmers to assess their challenges, debate solutions, and strengthen the movement against what leaders described as growing corporate control over agricultural markets, inputs and land.
MVIWATA national chairperson Apollo Chamwela and Executive Director Stephen Ruvuga led engagements urging members to protect farmers’ interests by strengthening internal networks and reducing dependency on costly external inputs such as seeds and fertilizers dominated by a handful of multinational companies.
“We produce wealth yet receive only a small fraction of its benefits,” Mr. Ruvuga said, stressing the need for self-reliant, farmer-driven systems and fairer value chains.
For his part, Mr. Chamwela praised members who financed and traveled long distances to attend the AGM, calling their commitment proof that “this organization truly belongs to farmers”.
Over its three decades, MVIWATA has positioned itself as a leading farmers’ movement built on principles of Ujamaa, solidarity, and collective ownership, helping members improve production, secure better prices, protect land rights, strengthen market access and share knowledge on agro-ecological practices.
Last year’s AGM produced clear strategic pillars to guide MVIWATA’s work in 2026. Delegates emphasized scaling up farmer-led training on sustainable farming and expanding the adoption of agro-ecological practices across the country.
They also prioritised strengthening savings and access to capital for farmers while advancing discussions on the establishment of a dedicated farmers’ financial institution. In addition, the AGM highlighted the importance of enhancing farmer information platforms, including MVIWATA FM Radio, to ensure timely and relevant knowledge reaches farming communities nationwide.
Delegates also called for greater unity, stronger youth and women engagement, and continued advocacy to safeguard farmers’ land and livelihoods.
For long-standing members like Odilia J. Bernad and Michael Mbago, the AGM reaffirmed MVIWATA as a school, a shield, and a platform of empowerment — strengthening not only farming knowledge but also awareness of economic and social rights.
As the organisation looks ahead, the message emerging from Morogoro was clear: Tanzania’s farmers are determined to remain protagonists in shaping their future.
Summarizing the spirit of the gathering, Mr. Chamwela declared: “The struggle ahead needs unity. The defender of the farmer is the farmer.”
Founded in 1993 by smallholders themselves, MVIWATA aspires to empower smallholder through capacity strengthening to undertake lobbying and advocacy especially by strengthening their groups and networks, facilitating communication and learning so that they defend their interests.
The organisation was founded as a result of the deteriorating smallholder farmers’ welfare and lack of a common platform to organise following the contradictions that the Neo-liberal market forces brought after the Structural adjustment programmes. Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) through its Strengthening Communication Project (SUA-SCOM) and the early identified farmers groups guided the initial process in the formation of MVIWATA.
