Finnish embassy, timber firms to support smallholder growers
Under the €1.6 million agreement, growers will be provided with improved seedlings, technical advice, fertiliser and extension services.
The Finnish embassy in Tanzania has signed a three-year contract with two local forestry companies to support smallholder tree growers in areas where the firms operate.
Under the €1.6 million agreement, growers will be provided with improved seedlings, technical advice, fertiliser and extension services.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Finnish ambassador Pekka Hukka said the agreement would also assure the communities of a reliable market for their produce.
“Under this contract, the two companies will provide 50 per cent of the cost with the embassy giving 50 per cent as well,” he said.
Mr Hukka added that about 2,000 hectares of timber plantations would be owned by growers under the arrangement.