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ANSAF 2013 Annual Report April 7, 2014

Dialogue, Debate & Discussions: Heightened engagement with

national and local level governments for higher results

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Table of Contents Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................ ii

Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................................... v

Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................. vi

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................................................. 1

PART ONE: BUILDING PLATFORMS FOR DIALOGUE .......................................................................................... 2

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

OC1: Platforms for dialogue between SHF and other stakeholders exist ....................................................... 2

1.1 Research on Effective Regulation of Cashew Industry in Tanzania ........................................................ 2

1.2 Roundtable Meetings ............................................................................................................................ 6

1.3 Cashew Investors Conference ................................................................................................................ 7

1.4 Collaboration between IBEJ Programme and ANSAF Members in Dialogues ....................................... 9

1.5 Rice Value Chain Dialogue sessions in Kilombero ................................................................................ 11

1.6 Constituency Development Fund dialogue in Mwanza ........................................................................ 13

1.7 Organic Farming focus on coffee Value Chain in Karagwe ................................................................ 13

1.8 Local Budget Cycle Engagement ......................................................................................................... 13

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

OC2: SHF have Access to Information and Decisions ......................................................................................... 15

2.1 Review of two bills .............................................................................................................................. 15

2.2 Farmer‘s World Magazine .................................................................................................................. 15

2.3 Boresha Biashara (Improve Your Business) Radio Programs ................................................................ 15

2.4 Kilimo Kwanza Supplement ................................................................................................................. 16

2.5 Ruka Juu Radio show ........................................................................................................................... 17

2.6 Cashew Documentary and Media spot ............................................................................................... 17

PART THREE: HOLDING ONE ANOTHER ACCOUNTABLE .................................................................................. 18

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 18

OC3: Citizens Collectively Engaging to Hold Government Accountable ........................................................... 18

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3.1 Policy Briefs......................................................................................................................................... 18

3.2 Bunge Exhibition in Dodoma................................................................................................................ 18

3.3 Social Accountability Monitoring exercises.......................................................................................... 19

3.4 Budget Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 21

PART FOUR: SPEAKING A LITTLE LOUDER ......................................................................................................... 22

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 22

OC4: The voices of SHF and consumers are being heard by decision makers .................................................. 22

4.1 Constitutional review 2013 ................................................................................................................. 22

4.2 Breakfast Debate: Investment in Cashew nut Industry ......................................................................... 23

4.3 Excellence in Journalism Award Tanzania ........................................................................................... 24

4.4 Three legged Model: Researchers, Advocacy and Media .................................................................. 24

4.5 Celebration of African Union Year of agriculture ............................................................................... 24

PART FIVE: KNOWING MORE FROM OTHERS.................................................................................................. 25

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 25

OC5. Improved coordination by Service Providers for SHFs & SMEs ................................................................ 25

5.1 Annual learning Event with ANSAF Members ...................................................................................... 25

5.2 Membership Survey ............................................................................................................................ 26

5.3 New Website Developed and Launched. ........................................................................................... 27

5.4 Communication & Advocacy Working Group ..................................................................................... 27

PART SIX: BUILDING INTERNAL CAPACITIES ..................................................................................................... 28

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 28

OC6: Improved Capacity of ANSAF Secretariat .............................................................................................. 28

6.1 Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Evaluation of Programmes ........................................................... 28

6.2 Human, Material resources management and development improved ............................................... 28

6.3 Personnel Issues ................................................................................................................................... 29

6.4 Organizational Development (OD) ..................................................................................................... 29

6.5 Membership Directory ......................................................................................................................... 29

6.6 Communication Handbook ................................................................................................................... 29

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6.7 ANSAF Wins ONE Africa Award ........................................................................................................ 30

6.8 Financial summary of ANSAF performance in 2013 ........................................................................... 30

PART SEVEN: RECOMMENDATIONS& WAY FORWARD .................................................................................. 31

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 31

7.1 General Conclusions ...................................................................................................................... 31

7.2 The way forward ........................................................................................................................... 31

PART EIGHT: EVIDENCE OF WHAT WE SAY ..................................................................................................... 33

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 33

8.1 References .......................................................................................................................................... 33

8.2 Annexes............................................................................................................................................... 33

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Acknowledgements Without doubt, for ANSAF 2013 was the best year ever. Never before did ANSAF win an international award. ANSAF won One Africa award worth USD100,000 following a stiff competition that involved over 250 organizations across the continent. We won this prestigious because we had a strong secretariat, committed members and generous development partners. ANSAF is very grateful for the support rendered by all members and development partners. We particularly appreciate the financial and technical support from Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), Accountability Tanzania (AcT), Irish Aid and Business Environment Strengthening – Advocacy Component (BEST AC). To these development partners, I am most obliged. We would also like to thank ANSAF members and collaborating partners from both private and public sectors for their continued support. In this regards, we must mention institutions such as Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT), Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and Agriculture Sector Lead Ministries (ASLMs). We also recognize the valuable work of the Budget Analysis (BA) and Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) teams and all those who were involved in the Cashew Investors‘ Conference held in Dar Es Salaam. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the local government authorities in the districts where ANSAF conducted dialogues, BA and SAM exercises. We enjoyed working with you in 2013. I look forward to 2014, which also promises to bear abundant fruits. Audax Rukonge Executive Secretary

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Abbreviations ACT Agricultural Council of Tanzania ADLG Action for Democracy in Local Governance AKIRIGO Association of Kilombero Rice Growers ANSAF Agriculture Non State Actors Forum ASLM Agriculture Sector Lead Ministries AYoA African Union Year of Agriculture

BEST-AC Business Environment Strengthening – Advocacy Component CACT Community Animation Centre of Tanzania CBT Cashew Board of Tanzania CDTIF Cashew nut Development Fund CSOs Civil Society Organizations DADP District Agricultural Development Plan DC District Commissioner DED District Executive Director EJAT Excellency in Journalism Awards Tanzania GRT Get Real Training

IBEJ Investigative Business Environment Journalists ITV Independent Television LGAs Local Government authorities MP Member of Parliament MSMES Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MVIWATA Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania NAO National Audit Office NFCG National Framework for Good Governance NGO Non-Governmental Organization O&OD Opportunities and Obstacles to Development OC Outcome OGP Open Governance Partnership PELUM Participatory Ecological Land Use Management RUDI Rural and Urban Development Initiative

RUNALI Ruangwa, Nachingwea and Liwale

SAGCOT The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania SAM Social Accountability Monitoring SAUT Saint Augustine University of Tanzania SDC Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation SHF Small Holder Farmer SMEs Small Medium Enterprises TBC Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation TIC Tanzania Investment Centre VECO Vredeseilanden Country Office

WRS Warehouse Receipt System

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT This ANSAF Annual Report 2013 highlights major thrust of ANSAF work during the period under review. Year 2013 was the first year for ANSAF‘s Strategic Plan (SP) implementation. The report presents ANSAF‘s outcomes and the impact (love to see) of a range of interventions. Platforms for dialogue between smallholder farmers and other stakeholders now exist.

Although access to information remains a challenge especially in rural setting, Tanzania is among the leading nations on the use of mobile phones. Potentially this could assist in linking farmers and stakeholders with market, and other services. ANSAF therefore strived to help smallholder farmers have access to information and decisions. ANSAF was invited to review cabinet bills and give recommendations. Furthermore, ANSAF published its flagship magazine, The Farmer’s World, as well as participated in various radio and television programmes.

Furthermore, ANSAF meetings created the opportunity for members to discuss and create a critical mass on particular points of advocacy and campaign. The ANSAF secretariat acted as a catalyst on such concepts as land rights, market access accountability to move them from ―ideas‖ to ―actions‖. It was also in 2013 that ANSAF placed emphasis on citizens‘ collective engagement to hold the government accountable. Effective market is one of ANSAF‘s visions for change for smallholder farmers. In 2013 ANSAF worked to ensure that the collective voice of the poor—at the producer or consumer level—is heard.

In 2013, ANSAF secretariat and its members promoted better coordination of actors along value chains. Coordination, according to ANSAF, enhanced smallholder farmers‘ participation and releasing relevant information gathered from various levels. A focus on value chains, such as cashew and rice was important and eye-opener for ANSAF on depth and breadth of issues and challenges faced by chain actors along the knots. There were deliberate efforts taken in 2013 to build internal capacity of ANSAF. The interventions in organizational development aimed at better coordination of ANSAF members through the Secretariat, skills strengthening among staff and regular programme reviews. We hope this report gives a fair representation of ANSAF‘s key interventions, results and some challenges during activity implementation that ended in December 2013.

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PART ONE: BUILDING PLATFORMS FOR DIALOGUE

Introduction This section is organized around ANSAF‘s first outcome: Platforms for dialogue between smallholder farmers and other stakeholders exist. Under this outcome (OC1), different interventions were planed and implemented in 2013, including dissemination of research findings on effective regulations of cashew industry in Tanzania; workshops on cashew in cashew growing regions; platforms for dialogue on constituency development fund; and local budget cycle engagement. There were challenges met during the implementation of planned activities, but steps to address them were recommended.

OC1: Platforms for dialogue between SHF and other stakeholders exist In 2013, ANSAF secretariat in collaboration with some members organised dialogue platforms that

brought together smallholder farmers (SHF) and other stakeholders. During the period under review,

the secretariat identified smallholder farmers‘ participation gaps and their representation in existing

dialogue structures. Through these discussions, ways to ensure adequate representation of SHF in

decision making processes in all levels were proposed. Furthermore, the secretariat collected,

synthesized and shared relevant research findings on budgeting processes and cashew sub-sector.

They looked at policy implications of the findings on the agricultural sector. In similar vein, ANSAF

organized and conducted learning events, breakfast and roundtables discussions on pertinent

thematic issues. ANSAF hosted a cashew investors‘ conference in Dar Es Salaam with the view to open

up opportunities available in the subsector and pave the way for a better investment environment

and value addition. It initiated preparations for the Africa Year of Agriculture 2014 Forum, and

mainstreamed MDGs into ANSAF objectives.

1.1 Research on Effective Regulation of Cashew Industry in Tanzania

Dissemination of results of a study on effective regulation of cashew industry in Tanzania took place

in early 2013. The study had analysed the cashew sub-sector, investigated the relationships and

received views and ideas from stakeholders. During the dissemination, several recommendations to

improve the regulatory system and the marketing of cashew were presented. The results were first

validated in national-level workshops as well as in cashew growing regions before they were shared

with different stakeholders in Mtwara, Lindi and Mkuranga in March and May 2013. The workshops

were held in 4 stations where participants from 15 districts of cashew growing regions attended (see

Table 1). The workshops chaired by District Commissioners brought together district officials,

councillors, cashew board representatives, cooperative institutions, farmer groups, farmers, local

organizations and private enterprises that process cashew. In addition, a meeting of parliamentary

committee with MPs from the cashew growing regions was held in Dodoma.

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Table 1 Participants of cashew workshops in four stations

PARTICIPANTS AT EACH STATION MALE FEMALE TOTAL

Mtwara (Tandahimba, Newala, Mtwara Rural/ Urban) 77 24 101

Liwale (Liwale, Ruangwa and Nachingwea) 36 6 42

Mkuranga (Mkuranga, Kisarawe and Rufiji) 39 8 47

Parliamentary Committee Meeting and MPs from cashew

growing regions (Dodoma)

28 14 42

Senior government officials from ASLMs (DSM) 36 16 52

Key issues that were raised during those workshops included the following:

Costs, quality and delivery of Inputs: high costs of agro inputs, late deliveries and wrong

consignments have resulted into lower productivity. ANSAF working with its members intervened and

worked collaboratively with members – as a result in 2013 CBT and the cashew development fund

delivered input by April of the same year. This advocacy action made a big difference in terms of

increased production. Prior to 2013, agro inputs used to arrive to the farmers in late July when the

season is almost over. In 2010 for instance, farmers did not receive inputs because the supplier

refused to honor the tender. Although productivity is a function of many parameters, timely delivery

of quality input and proper application has a significant role.

Warehouse Receipt System: The Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) was weak as it did not provide

alternative market solutions for farmers. The system failed to attract committed cashew buyers and

could not state clearly how farmers will be compensated when cashew prices fluctuate. The WRS was

poorly implemented and did not add value to farmers produce. Furthermore, farmers lacked

sufficient knowledge on WRS operation, thus substantial complaints were experienced and the

relationship between farmers and leaders of farmer associations was weakened.

Political influence: the cashew sub-sector was highly interfered and politically influenced.

Government officials and politicians were reported to be making decisions on day to day operations

of farmer organizations. One of the serious nuisances is the fact that the chairperson of the Cashew

Board of Tanzania is appointed by the President instead of being elected by farmers themselves.

Cooperatives vis-à-vis Farmers Associations: Leaders of farmer associations performed poorly and

they misused powers due to an ineffective accountability mechanism. There was an argument that

cooperative union membership should be free for all farmers so that all of them can receive

dividends generated from the activities of farmer associations. As it is now in Liwale for instance, only

13% of farmers are members of the cooperative union. Cooperatives were tagged as financially

weak institutions as they only rely on bank loans. The consequences include high interest rates and

inability to pay farmers for their produce.

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Marketing: Regarding marketing aspects, there were contradictions in the grading systems. There

was no proper mechanism to grade cashew produced by Tanzanian farmers. In Tanzania, there are 3

grades of cashew (thus priced differently) but when exported to India it is regarded as a single

grade – normally first grade for Tanzanian cashew. Experience shows that farmers and other

stakeholders did not get market information timely. The workshop participants suggested that CBT

should share market information on a regular basis through various platforms such as the website and

mobile messages. Cashew from Tanzania has no specific branding to introduce it internationally. CBT

was once allocated a budget for branding Tanzania‘s cashew but the exercise was never

implemented. Participants proposed a special day for cashew to be named ―Siku ya Korosho

(Cashew Day)‖ where a week-long exhibition could be organized to highlight the importance of

cashew to Tanzania‘s economy.

Taxation: The forum suggested that levy and taxation could be halved the current deductions are

too high. For example export levy whose deduction is 15% could be reduced to 10% and 5% of it is

retained at the district to support district development projects. In addition, 20% of the taxes of the

current deductions should be reinvested in farmers‘ crop improvement. They also suggested that a

participatory decision making system should be introduced when it comes to determining types and

rates of taxes, fees or charges. The current system does not involve farmers though they are key

stakeholders.

Education, technology and infrastructure: Another key issue that came out of the dialogues is the

inadequate supply of skilled and well equipped extension officers. The proposed remedy is for the

government to recruit and deploy more extension officers and create strong linkages between LGAs,

researchers and farmers. Ineffective use of technology and expertise due to poor coordination

between farmers, research experts and competent extension service on the crop was noted. Likewise,

poor infrastructure particularly information, communication and transport networks make it difficult

for cashew farmers to access agro inputs, market price information, market sources and other

services.

Outcomes of the workshops:

Members of Parliament and District Commissioners committed themselves to work with farmers to

transform the cashew industry. As a result, there were several mentions of cashew and ANSAF‘s work

in the parliament over most part of the year. Hundreds of smallholder farmers (over 800) signed a

petition protesting against the warehouse receipts system, which they say is exploitative. Two MPs

(Kilwa-South and Masasi constituencies) submitted the petition to the parliament to reject the

warehouse receipt system as the only cashew marketing approach. A cashew task force was formed

comprising public officials, farmers and cashew processors from each district committed to engage in

ANSAF‘s advocacy work. Table 2 shows the gender disaggregated composition of the cashew

taskforce.

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Table 2: Gender disaggregated Cashew Taskforce members

STATION MALE FEMALE

Mkuranga 6 3

Masasi 5 3

Tandahimba 6 3

Liwale 9 0

ANSAF Members 4 0

ANSAF secretariat 0 3

These task force teams formed a logical point of contact with ANSAF secretariat and members.

During the period under review, members of the taskforce teams supported farmers in their

advocacy initiatives. Members of the task team maintained regular communication with ANSAF

secretariat and they were instrumental in writing articles published in mainstream media. They were

points of contact during the development and production of cashew documentary and media spots. In

the second half of the year, 37 members of the task force team from14 districts were trained on

advocacy techniques, particularly on how to influence positive policy actions for change in their

respective regions. The training mapped changes resulting from implemented recommendations made

during the first phase of sharing the findings. The task force teams eventually developed their vision

on specific issues that they felt they could change the sector by 2020. A plan to guide the teams to

attain their vision was developed. ANSAF continued to engage with the members in the regions.

The ANSAF meeting held in Liwale culminated in the formation of a cohesive unit for Ruangwa,

Nachingwea and Liwale (RUNALI) districts. After the meeting in Nachingwea, some cooperative

societies in three districts (Liwale, Ruangwa and Nachingwea in Lindi region) submitted proposals to

pull out from regional union (Ilulu Union) because they were not represented thus their voice was not

heard. As a follow up to the feedback meeting, primary society‘s members in those districts pursued

a legal process, demanding the regional union to pay the funds that has not been received by the

farmers since 2010. They also felt that cooperative regulations were not being followed.

Furthermore, they disapproved the storage costs charged for keeping sacks, needles and

stationeries. The high cost of WRS operations deducted from farmers payment was among the

reasons for the formation of RUNALI. The actions that the farmers took originated from the advocacy

work of ANSAF during the year under review. RUNALI was legally registered cooperative in 2013

after it was approved by District Council and has officially started the operations. ANSAF intends to

support RUNALI on going forward with the litigation process.

Updates from Ruangwa, Nachingwea and Liwale:

Liwale farmers have already received their first installment of TZS600 per kilo but the second

payment of TZS600 per kilo was delayed and when it finally came, farmers were not given the full

amount as agreed. Until the end of 2013 there were some farmers who had not received the second

payment. Farmers rioted and ANSAF was informed about the riots. Switching from Ilulu to RUNALI

arrangement had significant impact. During the first season (September – December 2013) farmers

collected 19,800 tons of cashew as opposed to 30-32 tones collection during the Ilulu era.

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1.2 Roundtable Meetings

Two roundtable meetings were held in 2013. The first was held with Members of Parliamentary

Committee in Agriculture, Water and Livestock. It took place on 7th February, 2013 at New Dodoma

Hotel, Dodoma. The participants of the workshop included 27 MPs from the committee and invited

MPs from cashew growing regions (Ruvuma, Mtwara, Lindi, Tanga, Morogoro, Pwani and Dar Es

Salaam), as well as 17 representatives from ANSAF members and farmers organization. The

objectives of the workshop were; to share the findings of the cashew research, show opportunities

available for SHF, to request government to create a conducive environment for cashew farmers,

promote strategic investments, proper planning of public resources with the available opportunities in

agricultural sector.

Key discussion points The monopoly of in shell cashew buyers; India is the only country buying even when other markets including Brazil or North America are available. The study indicated that there is demand in those markets and that the demand for cashew in the world will continue to grow. Some key issues discussed include: Cashew Debate

The laws governing crop purchase/sale created monopolistic institutions (Cooperatives, WRS, Cashew auction, CBT, LGAs, Regional government).It was noted that although some of these systems were okay in their design, the implementation modalities created bureaucratic tendencies and hence room for corruption. It was also suggested that considerations be made on commodity exchange model for selling crops, which is already being used in Ethiopia among African countries.

The Committee supported the proposal that farmers should be allowed to sell directly to processors. Value addition should include a wider range of by-products such as; the fruit, kernel, and husks. In addition to nuts other by-products (juice, oil, etc.) should be produced and marketed to maximize returns to processor and farmers.

It is true that farmers are less motivated and others are frustrated from tending to their farms due to poor marketing system that results to late payment, losses to farming capital, and they hardly feel they get any incentives to produce.

10% budget allocation discussion

As per the research findings, developed regions such as Mbeya, the allocation is higher compared to low performing regions such as Lindi whose allocation is low. The MPs argued that it is due to the lack of proper coordination of DADP process and collaboration between the government officials, councilors, and political leaders. MPs were requested to uphold their responsibility to holding the government officers accountable to all stakeholders.

The second roundtable was held on 27th July, 2013 at Coral Beach hotel, Dar Es Salaam with lead

ministries and development partners in agriculture sector. Invited lead ministries were Ministry of

Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Prime Minister‘s Office. The

purpose of the roundtable was to share findings of the cashew study and experiences from the

ground; and stimulate dialogue and discussions on relevant recommendations particularly on policies

specific in production, processing and markets that hinder the sector development. There were 26

participants (18 male and 8 female).

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Processing to 100% of produced cashew was one of the major proposal and discussion during this

roundtable. Increased local processing capacity was viewed as one of the major ways of creating

employment and ultimately contributes to more revenues from cashew subsector. On giving the

opening speech, guest of honor Hon. Mrs. Janet Mbene, Deputy Minister for Finance, made some

relevant remarks that highlighted the position of cashew crop in the country‘s economy as far as

agriculture is concerned. Cashew has a wide potential in revenue and job opportunities which has

been sacrificed by exporting raw cashew in India. The deputy minister promised that the government

will support the transformation of the cashew industry through local processing so as to increase

productivity by accommodating views from stakeholders. Furthermore, the government is willing and

open to consider findings of the cashew research especially the new strategies in marketing and

processing in bringing sustainable value addition by processing cashew.

Way forward: Hon MPs requested ANSAF to coordinate workshops in the specific cashew regions to share the findings and assured to participate as a leading actor. They also requested ANSAF to share the insightful report in depth with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives in addressing the pertinent issues affecting the sector; also to work closely as an advisor in advocating for change in favor of smallholder farmers. MPs appreciated ANSAF for the research, and that it had indeed come right on time which will increase their capacity in decision making in their specific areas. An immediate follow up to this meeting was held with specific MPs from cashew growing regions who committed themselves to championing the agenda of cashew farmers in their regions. They made a shared roadmap with ANSAF of workshops that will be held in their regions and committed their full support to pushing for reforms in this sub sector. The Guest of Honor Ms. Janet Mbene and participants advised ANSAF to widely share these results so that the government and other stakeholders could work together. Outcomes: As it has been pointed out in the previous section, ANSAF went out into cashew growing regions to share with stakeholders the opportunity available and also open doors to wider dialogue sessions at the local level. The MPs from cashew growing regions that were in attendance at this meeting also joined ANSAF in the field (in Liwale, Masasi and Tandahimba). The discussion on cashew was raised in parliament a few times by the MPs that we engaged with notably the MPs from cashew growing

regions.

There has also been a lot of media coverage on the cashew nut sector and has for the last few months been the most reported on cash crop in Tanzania. Some reporting has been as a result of direct engagement with media by ANSAF secretariat and members while other reporting has been as a result of a more informed group of farmers and their vocalization of their issues in Lindi and Mtwara. At the parliament level, MPs have on regular basis been raising cashew issues, and two major political parties (CCM & CHADEMA) have silently been using most of the research information

to hold the government into account.

1.3 Cashew Investors Conference Moving from research recommendations to action, ANSAF championed the formation of TASK FORCE involving the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Ministry of Industries and Trade, Ministry of agriculture and CBT. This task force was responsible for organizing the Cashew Investors Conference. This was an international conference to entice processing investors for cashew nut which was conducted in November 2013. The Cashew Investors Conference was a groundbreaking conference as it brought together over 150 non-traditional collaborative advocacy and public regulatory institutions from within Africa, Latin America and Asian countries. The Vice President of Tanzania H.E. Dr. Gharib Bilal was the guest of honor. Prior to the actual conference event, the Cashew Board of

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Tanzania (CBT) Agricultural Council of Tanzania (ACT) and ANSAF had developed and endorsed a shared vision and roadmap on sector transformation. The Cashew Investors Conference objectives were to open up available opportunities for various players to invest in cashew processing and generate interest for collaboration among the participants for cashew production, processing and marketing. A range of players such as processors, cooperatives, unions, farmers‘ representatives, financiers, donors and government institutions were involved in the meeting. Collaborative links along the value chain knots were established and proposals made on how to reduce transaction costs and curb pilferage of public funds (taxes collected). ANSAF Secretariat managed to attract sponsors such as the National Microfinance Bank, Diamond Motors, BEST-AC, PASS, LIMAS, the Foundation for Civil Society and OLAM.

Specific issues that

emerged from the

conference included the

need for stakeholders to

enhance operating

environment for value

addition to acquire more

markets other than

depending on limited

market of raw cashew nuts;

the need to strengthen the

capacity of local

processors, and to ensure

motivation and commitment

to invest in the sector so as

to influence quality production. Other issues were the need to strengthen organizational capacity of

smallholder farmers to take farming as business; and the willingness to support research and

development; promote joint ventures and to harmonize nuisance taxes and levies imposed on SMEs

and smallholder farmers.

Key outcomes on work on cashew

Processing: As a result of engagement with CBT, Cashew nut development fund (CDTIF) has allocated

TZS 10 billion for processing development. In this process a number of small processing groups have

been identified for funding. Three areas for processing industries have been identified in 3 districts

within cashew growing regions such as Tandahimba, Newala and Mtwara. Compensation to land

owners in was in process to allow construction.

There are initiatives to empower cashew farmers in small scale processing in two ways; the first one is

to mobilize them create groups and empower them to start small scale processing units and finishing

to be done by larger factories prior to selling. A total of 37 groups have been identified for support

by CDTIF in Tandahimba. The second option is for the municipals to develop cashew processing

industries in the nearby areas and the final stages to be done in bigger factories.

Alternative marketing: Some of farmers have started to build relationship with traders for the sake of

opening up new marketing channels than WRS. To them is has been direct solution against high

interests charged by commercial banks through AMCOS and delays for second payment resulting

from WRS. In the last season Masasi District auction cashew direct to medium traders and farmers

Photo: 1 H.E. Vice President of Tanzania Dr. Gharib Bilal at the opening of the Cashew Investors Conference held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar Es Salaam.

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were assured of getting TZS 200 as profit for every kilogram sold. They agreed to retain TZS 100

on each Kg sold in Farmer Association for savings to help them in buying inputs for next season. This

marketing style was also adopted in other districts as well such as Liwale and Tunduru which collects

raw cashews in bulk for auction.

Production: During the conference, farmer representatives were able to learn on modern ways to

improve cashew productivity due to presentations and exhibitions which was done by ARI-

Naliendele. Task force members from Masasi mobilized cashew farmers thereafter to plant new

improved cashew seedlings to ensure production potential is achieved. They also started practicing

local grading of raw cashew from the harvesting stage with the focus of getting good prices during

auction.

1.4 Collaboration between IBEJ Programme and ANSAF Members in Dialogues In 2013 ANSAF entered into a tripartite agreement with St. Augustine University of Tanzania and

BEST-AC with the view to build the capacity of journalists to become Investigative Business

Environment Journalists (IBEJ). The role of BEST-AC was to provide financial support and to guide the

course content development process. ANSAF provided the technical expertise on agriculture and the

budget process using its experience at local and national levels. The role of SAUT in the partnership

was to conduct the training. The university also managed the student selection process ensured the

delivery of quality outputs. This course has a bias on agriculture and agribusiness.

During the implementation of the tripartite agreement, ANSAF was intensively involved in developing

the program content that covered agriculture, agribusiness and the policy environment. It also invited

resource persons to provide training on local budget cycle and budget analysis for media reporting.

ANSAF provided placement opportunities for journalists to give them real life experience in the field.

By the end of 2013, ANSAF had offered placement opportunities to 27 journalists (out of them 8

were female). Eleven local dialogues were organized and conducted by ANSAF members with the

support from IBEJ students. The dialogues brought together stakeholders at local level to discuss

issues related to value chains, governance and accountability. The dialogues provided greater

evidence on issues that affect stakeholders, thus strengthened ANSAF's local and national advocacy

work.

Placements opportunities were sought by ANSAF though its member. During this period eleven dialogues

were organized in collaboration between members and IBEJ students. Focus on those dialogues was

on; value chains for coffee, banana, livestock, fish, sisal, horticultural, rice and sesame; agricultural

policy research/advocacy including agricultural inputs, crop cess, agricultural incentives and cashew;

climate change and land use planning; and organic farming; contract farming; and Warehouse

Receipt System. The dialogues brought together stakeholders at local level to discuss issues related to

value chains, governance and accountability. They also provided greater evidence on issues that

affect stakeholders, thus strengthened ANSAF's local and national advocacy work.

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Table 3 List of dialogues held in 20131

DATE PLACE CONVENOR THEME OF THE DIALOGUE

14 Feb 2013 Mtwara ANSAF Sharing event based on the research on Effective regulation of

cashew industry in Tanzania and Agriculture budget trend

allocation and outcome over the past five years.

27 June 2013 Kilombero,

Morogoro

RUDI Access to information, coordination of actors, crop cess and

rice value chain

28 June 2013 Mwanza Community

Animation Centre of

Tanzania (CACT)

Access to Information on Income and Expenditure of the

Constituency Development Fund

9 July 2013 Simiyu Action for

Democracy in Local

Governance (ADLG)

Successes and lessons learnt on WRS in Tanzania

16 July 2013 Karatu,

Arusha

HAKI KAZI Access to information, empowering farmers to participate

effectively in planning, implementing and monitoring local

budget.

2nd half of

2013

Mtwara ANSAF (UPT &

NADEFO)

Local stakeholders meeting by ANSAF to provide feedback to

members working in the cashew growing areas

2nd half of

2013

Mkuranga ANSAF (MVIWATA,

ActionAid & VECO)

Local stakeholders meeting by ANSAF to provide feedback to

members working in the cashew growing areas

31 July 2013 Karagwe KADERES The Coffee Value chain and its role in economic growth

5 December

2013

Kilombero,

Morogoro

RUDI Challenges on Agricultural Inputs to farmers in Kilombero

district.

6 Dec 2013 Karagwe KADERES Organic farming value chain

20 Dec 2013 Kahama Action for

Democracy in Local

Governance (ADLG)

WRS and contract farming frameworks viable for improving

cotton production /industry in Tanzania

The outcome of the IBEJ students‘ placement with various members is multifaceted. A total of 78

articles (68 on agribusiness and 10 on agriculture) were produced by the IBEJ students; among them

56 articles were published in the mainstream newspapers. On the other hand 10 radio programs

were produced and broadcasted last year. The stories were well balanced since they drew views

from a range of stakeholders—farmers, farmer associations, local government authority officials,

private sector, financial institutions, experts, central government and secondary sources such as policy

documents, internet, proceedings of meetings and seminars. To mention a few among them; price

implications on rice over importation, cotton contract farming, modern livestock keeping, input price

and contract farming is ‗kizungumkuti‘. The program has also capacitated the journalist students with

skills in writing well analyzed articles on agriculture issues, searching and comparing relevant

information from different sources such as policy documents and reports so as to balance stories. It

enhances reporting by revealing pertinent issues affecting the public in agricultural business

environment. Some of the comments from students, among those who attended the IBEJ program

were:

―To produce quality and investigative reports, I must dig deep to get the relevant information.‖—

Nancy Igumbe, IBEJ 2013 Students in Mwanza.

1A few other planned dialogues have been moved to next year.

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―Since I have attained my training at SAUT, I have changed my thinking from political to business

mind especially in writing articles.‖—Mobin Saria, IBEJ Student from Bagamoyo.

Responses from produced articles and programs

Price implications on rice over importation: the price of rice dropped following rice importation, although it was noted that the quantity of rice imported was a major reason hence it caused export ban. Currently, the government has allowed free market outside Tanzania, which led to increased price rise from TZS1,000 in October to TZS1,300-1,500 per kilo by the end of 2013.

Contract farming in ‘kizungumkuti‘ highlighted issues on the cotton sector as farmers were demanding their rights. It stimulated a dialogue between the Central government, Cotton Business Association, Farmers cotton association and Politicians. As a result, the government through the Cotton Board reduced the price of cotton seed from TZS1,200 to TZS600 per kilo.

Misuse of warehouses created to film theaters. The District Councils have been sighting and warning the wards and villages in using the warehouse for the crops storing and not as film theaters.

Response from farmers on the importance of cassava: farmers have been keen in getting more information on how they can improve their value addition and access to markets in Bagamoyo.

In 2012, ANSAF and KADERES conducted SAM and visited one project (Chigorogoro charcoal dam) for verification, where it was found that although on reports the project is at completion stage, there was nothing on the ground. There was another project on feeder road, but communities were not aware on how it came about. A subsequent article that was produced culminated into the district authorities allocating funds to continue the charcoal dam project in 2013/14 fiscal year.

1.5 Rice Value Chain Dialogue sessions in Kilombero The June 27, 2013 dialogue held in Ifakara and organized by Rural and Urban Development

Initiative (RUDI) in collaboration with a SAUT journalist provided an opportunity for open discussion

with the District Council officials. The dialogue was attended by 49 participants including small

holder farmers, farmers associations, local government officials and media. The discussions focused

on critical challenges facing the Kilombero farmers in the rice value chain. Identified challenges

include but not limited to timely receipt of inputs, cess charged on rice throughout the value chain and

the WRS. From the discussion it was evident that farmers didn‘t like the WRS operations and

ownership since it did not benefit them. They said some of the warehouses meant for rice storage are

now being used to store edible oil seeds belonging to private investors. The warehouses were owned

by local governments instead of farmers. The Chairperson of the council directed the Kilombero

district officials to reverse the ownership of the WRS that have been privatized to get back to

cooperative societies to ensure that farmers benefit from this. Prior farmers had complains on

privatization and use of warehouses for storage of different crops; ownership of warehouses shifted

from farmers to local government thus leaving farmers at a disadvantageous position; late delivery

of inputs which forcing farmers to take out loans on higher priced inputs while waiting for the

government vouchers (The farmers would take loans from traders where the fertilizer is sold at

TZS45,000 and the input voucher comes in with a value of TZS25,000. This leaves the farmer still in

debt; double taxation on the same crop where cess is paid at three different points - TZS100/- per

sack for paddy, TZS5/- per kilo when processed, and TZS80/- per kilo when passing the farm gate

to Dar Es Salaam; limited access to markets for rice in regions especially when marred with double

12 | P a g e

taxation as the local prices are very low farmers to recover production costs and earn a decent

wage from their produce; poor infrastructure especially feeder roads which link to farms and lack of

strong leadership focused on farmers‘ interest and development of the sector. The District Executive

Director acknowledged that there were anomalies in the current framework as the ideal situation

required is that cess is charged at the district level and not at the village as per the experience

shared. He stated that out of the cess charged at the district level, a small percentage of the cess

should be charged back to the village to run the village activities.

A follow up dialogue was held in December in Kilombero (Ifakara). ANSAF member, RUDI co-hosted

the dialogue in collaboration with district authorities and local farmers‘ networks such as AKIRIGO

and UKICU. A range of stakeholders were invited including academia, financial, public, CSOs and

media.

Key successes

RUDI—ANSAF member—worked with AKIRIGO (a farmers‘ network) to pursue with district authorities on renovated warehouses which were sold to Chinese investors through a ‗back door.‘ These issues were raised during the first dialogue that was held in June, 2013. The District Commissioner made a personal inquiry and follow up which resulted into nullifying the contract between village leaders and Chinese investors. Kikwawira village leaders had denied the farmers to own the warehouse by selling to the foreign investors. Other warehouses that were sold to investors include Vijana Mbasa, Mkasu and Mang‘ula A. AKIRIGO and RUDI intends to use similar approach to influence the decision of revoking the contract between village leaders and Chinese investors. Farmers and members of cooperatives in Kilosa districts were able to re-own the warehouses which had previously been dubiously sold to Chinese investors. In other districts such as Arumeru, Maswa and Karagwe, farmers were able to use the platforms to inform their leaders on challenges in accessing improved seeds and poor market due to imposition of various contributions on top of crop cess.

Challenges

LGA authority collect information on estimates, but the delivery process is bureaucratic. Inputs are

expensive and often are delivered very late sometimes after the farming period is over.

Way forward:

A seven-member task team was formed after the June 2013 dialogue. The task of this team was to

review the critical issues presented and resolve them. The Association of Kilombero Rice Growers

(AKIRIGO), an apex association was asked to write a formal letter to the District Executive Director

detailing cess charges at the local level. The Kilombero District Council Chairperson offered to meet

farmer groups who have been the victims of the taxation system.

After the second dialogue in December, the District commissioner (DC) advised the farmers and

village leaders to properly document public and group assets. A meeting involving interested

parties was suggested to ensure interests of all groups are observed and rights protected.

The District Executive Director (DED) briefed the meeting on agro-dealers contract revision, as

one of the ways to reduce delays and the cost of inputs. To ensure inputs are sufficient to the

demand, the district authority was conducting regular audit/assessment of input availability and

issued warning to agro-dealers selling counterfeit inputs (seed and fertilizers).

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The District officers (from DTs office) informed farmers that cess should be charged at 5% and

urged the farmers to retain their receipts and present them as proof to ensure that they weren‘t

overcharged. He also explained that the current set up of cess is that it should be charged every

time it changed hands that is from the farm to the buyer.

The discussants recommended having dealers/agents known to the public to improve input

delivery so as to rectify the input price to ensure affordability by many farmers and benefit on

the process.

1.6 Constituency Development Fund dialogue in Mwanza ANSAF through SAUT journalists identified Community Animation Center of Tanzania (CACT) as a

partner to lead a dialogue session in Mwanza. The Mwanza dialogue focused on Access to

Information on Income and Expenditure of the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (AIIE-CDCF)

in Ilemela and Nyamagana Constituency. The Mwanza discussion revealed that there was no

relationship between the committee of CDCF and communities, thus the community did not know what

the CDCF was doing neither did it know the amount of funds disbursed to CDCF. The discussion was

concluded with the agreement that CDCF should conduct dialogues and regular meetings whenever it

wants to initiate a project.

1.7 Organic Farming focus on coffee Value Chain in Karagwe On 6th December 2013, KADERES in collaboration with VSOs organized and conducted a dialogue

on the importance of organic farming for the economy of Karagwe. The dialogue focused on the

coordination of various actors in developing agricultural policy that will work for Karagwe district.

Specifically the dialogue revolved around the importance of organic farming, the importance of

irrigation in Karagwe, organic farming policy gap, markets, and the role of women in organic

farming, environmental issues and challenges facing organic farming.

1.8 Local Budget Cycle Engagement An exploratory research was commissioned to review the current practices around the local budget

cycle. The main objective of the research was unearthing the gaps and challenges existing in the

local budget cycle and identify opportunities for advocacy on enhanced business environment i.e.

transparency, stakeholder coordination, effective local growth and its impact to undeserved groups.

This study was financed by BEST-AC and included a desk study as well as a visit to ANSAF members

in LGAs who were undertaking SAM. The districts include Ulanga, Iringa, Karagwe and Korogwe.

The research highlighted key challenges, which include:

Very low budget ceilings which reflect limited resources allocated in the sector.

Unpredictable budgets and resource flow due to challenging ceilings, non-release and late

release of approved budget funds.

Dependence on external sources for financing agriculture development due to limited internal

resource mobilization and non-prioritization of the sector in allocating internally generated funds

at the local level.

Limited degree of quality participation in the process by important stakeholders.

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Other important findings revealed that the participation and impact of key stakeholders is severely

limited by:

Low value placed on the budget cycle because very few villages (less than 10%) receive any

agriculture funds every year, and even then, their availability and timing of the funds is

uncertain.

Unpredictability of the resources available for agriculture leads to a significant share of resource

allocations (upward or downward revisions) being made by the Council outside the formal

budget cycle. The unpredictability of LGA budgets makes participation, coordination and

integration with other initiatives by other non-state agencies/ units impossible.

Absence of an organized forum for non-state actors to provide their inputs in the local budget

cycle.

Limited or non-involvement of the most informed professionals and entrepreneurs in the budget

cycle denies the LGA the opportunity for informed identification of local revenue sources and

revenue generation strategies.

Limited awareness of the budget cycle process at the grassroots levels and resources to conduct training/ meetings at village and ward levels limits the quality of the plans.

The research however has not been disseminated, because the Secretariat felt it had not reflected on real issues, and there was a need to undertake an addition work. The aim is to build a mass of evidence through which stakeholders at local level could use to engage with decision and policy makers.

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PART TWO: INFORMATION IS POWER Introduction

Although access to information remains a challenge especially in rural setting, Tanzania is among the leading nations on use of mobile phones. Potentially this could assist in linking farmers/stakeholders with market and other services. This section presents ANSAF related activities that enhanced access to information and decision.

OC2: SHF have Access to Information and Decisions

2.1 Review of two bills The government introduced two bills; and the parliamentary committee on agriculture invited

stakeholders to review and provide their inputs. ANSAF consulted the members and consolidated the

inputs. The main areas of concern – which ANSAF was able to influence, were on:

Land ownership for the area – under the Irrigation Development Act, 2013. It was proposed that

farmers should be compensated for land earmarked for irrigation (new area). ANSAF advise the

government on possibility of looking into it, that instead of the farmer being evicted, they can use

their land as capital and enter into joint venture agreement with the government/investor. This mean,

local people have opportunity to be shareholders of large investment using their land as capital.

Cessation of membership in the cooperative Union, under the Cooperative Development Act, 2013.

The previous Cooperative Development Act, did not provide room for Primary societies to pull out of

membership, if they realized there it was not working to their expectations. Also, there was a limit of

Cooperative Union in the region. For that case, primary societies had to cling to their membership

even in hard conditions—when the Unions were making loses. The New Cooperative Act, 2013

provide a room for them primary societies to amalgamate and form another Union, with clarification

on how to settle the bills, in case the Union is indebted.

2.2 Farmer’s World Magazine

The second publication of the Farmer‘s World (Ulimwengu wa Mkulima) magazine, English edition

was issued in January. The major issues addressed were value chain and gender, agri-business,

policy and budget which included cases on Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM), land cases raised

upon meeting the President of Tanzania H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, and climate change. A total of 1,500

English copies and 3,500 Kiswahili copies were printed and distributed during ANSAF workshops; at

the Bunge session and during all collaborative meetings that ANSAF has been invited to attend.

Members have also received an electronic version of the magazine through mail. A copy of the

magazine is also available on ANSAF‘s website. By the end of 2013, the third edition of Farmer‘s

World Magazine was on progress and had mainly focused on farmer‘s right, seeds, innovative

approaches and new policies. Feedback from the readers has helped the editorial team to improve

the magazine‘s content and design.

2.3 Boresha Biashara (Improve Your Business) Radio Programs

ANSAF had an opportunity in 2013 to be one of the organizations that aired radio programmes on

Boresha Biashara Show financed by BEST-AC. The series this year focused on agribusiness. ANSAF

was able to prepare and host three radio programmes whose focus was to advocate for the 10%

budget increase in agriculture sector, local budget cycle and agriculture financing. The radio

discussions informed and created awareness on the need for the government to increase the budget

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for agriculture to a tune of 10% allocation of national budget to agriculture sector, local budget

cycle and agriculture financing. The programs broadcast on Radio One—a leading private radio

station in Tanzania—influenced policy and decision makers to think favorably about agriculture.

Radio is a powerful channel since 77%2 of Tanzanians have access to it.

Table 4 List of radio programmes on Improve your Business aired in 2013

WENT ON AIR THEME ISSUES THAT EMERGED AUDIENCE REACTION

28March 2013 10%

budget

allocation

Lack of coordination in agriculture

sector, and lack of information

Lack of prioritization and strategic

investment in agricultural projects

Sufficient political will to change

Increase of Nominal Vs. decrease of

total sector allocation

A tuner (listener)

needed clarification on

responsibility for citizens

to pay tax and how

wanted to know how

money collected as

revenue is being spent.

Citizens

requested visits to their

districts particularly

Karatu& Bumbuli and

exchange experience as

they feel that their

districts were doing

better in terms of

development.

A listener said

that they found the

show to be

knowledgeable.

Citizen were

requesting to access a

book on good

governance on local

government/ exploiting

democracy as per the

speakers‘ reference.

7 April, 2013 Local

Budget

cycle

Poor coordination of actors and lack of

information

Poor priority set up and planning

process

Poor participatory planning and farms

representation in the decision making

Late disbursement of funds as well as

differences in the target vs. Approved

vs. Actual expenditure

Roles and responsibilities of local

government authorities

14 April 2013 Agriculture

financing

Lack of collateral on loans;

Agricultural bank (Benki ya kilimo) not

yet in place

Use of land as collateral is still a

challenge to youth and women

Banks not ready to take loss risks

particularly on Small holder farmers on

loan services.

A total of 21 messages were sent in when these programmes were on air.

2.4 Kilimo Kwanza Supplement

The second issue of Kilimo Kwanza supplement was published in February 2013. It aimed at

changing the negative attitude of youth towards agriculture. Articles came from Fema on farming as

business, how VECO is improving lives by promoting food security and the plant breeders‘ bill and

there was an article on how farmers cannot save or share seeds. The same content was translated

and published in Nipashe, IPP Media‘s Swahili newspaper. This was followed by interviews on

Kumekucha programme aired live by ITV.

2FEMINA 2013 Ruka Juu Midterm Report

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2.5 Ruka Juu Radio show

ANSAF has been collaborating with FEMA on the young farmers' programme. ANSAF's involvement

has been on giving technical inputs and linking Fema officials to ANSAF members during field visits.

Fema Radio show was launched officially and the programs started on the 2nd March, 2013. The

show‘s main focus was on young farmers where there were various programs focusing on different

aspects of a farmers life. The radio shows were aired on Radio Free Africa, TBC, Radio Jamii Kilosa

and Chem Chem Radios. The show focused in four specific regions: Rukwa, Arusha, Morogoro and

Kigoma. A total of 15 radio shows were aired from March 4- June 10, 2013. The director of ANSAF

was invited to the studio to respond to questions from audience and was also a featured judge in the

final TV show. The show was aired simultaneously on TV and radio. Several ANSAF members were

involved in the content development for both radio and TV programmes.

Outcome:

The audience sent free message about the show where a total of 1511 messages were received.

Femina provided an analytical report of the listeners.

2.6 Cashew Documentary and Media spot As a result of the study on cashew nut effective regulatory system and formal engagement with

Cashew Board of Tanzania, a 60-minute documentary was developed. The documentary was divided

into four segments of 15 minutes each composing of; Production, Processing, Access to markets,

Taxation, conclusion and way forward. The aim was to advocate for the cashew industry in Tanzania,

particularly the regulation and the market system. The documentary was aired in the National

mainstream media; Tanzania Broadcasting Cooperation (TBC) and Independent Television (ITV)

particularly during the cashew Investors week in November. Media spots were developed and aired

for two months (October and November) both on TBC and ITV. Below is the table showing the details

on the broadcasting.

Table 5: Number of media spots developed

Program theme Number of slots

ITV TBC

Extension Officers 9 6

Cooperatives (cashew case) 18 14

Input (dismemberment) case of Maize 18 14

Cashew program 3 1

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PART THREE: HOLDING ONE ANOTHER ACCOUNTABLE Introduction

ANSAF member meetings create the opportunity for members to discuss and unite on particular points of advocacy and campaigning. ANSAF secretariat acted as a stimulus to such ideas to move them from ―ideas‖ to ―actions‖. This section highlights the outcomes of citizens‘ collective engagement to hold the government accountable.

OC3: Citizens Collectively Engaging to Hold Government Accountable ANSAF had sessions to review and analyze budgets as well as looking at budget trends. The

secretariat also developed two policy briefs to share findings on research conducted. ANSAF also

made and took opportunities to meet one on one with decision and policy makers.

3.1 Policy Briefs

The secretariat developed two policy briefs that have been shared widely. These policy briefs

focused on budget allocation towards the agricultural sector that was done in collaboration with

PELUM; and advocating for cashew reforms in collaboration with ACT as per study findings. The

briefs are yet to be translated into Kiswahili for further dissemination. Over 700 people (senior

government officials, researchers and parliamentarians as well as CSO representatives) received the

copies of the briefs.

Outcomes:

As a result of the policy briefs shared, the National Audit Office (NAO) visited ANSAF with its

technical team to seek inputs before embarking on auditing agriculture on performance. Year 2013

was the national focus for NAO on sector performance. The National Audit Agency was interested

particularly in performance issues in the agricultural sector with specific requests for findings from

SAM and Budget Analysis reports. They were also interested to learn how ANSAF has involved LGAs

and stakeholders in district levels. Future collaborations with the National Audit Agency have been

agreed on to include two key issues; For ANSAF, access to CAG reports that have been difficult to

get through local governments, and for the National Audit Agency, in the coming year, they will have

a specific focus on agriculture sector performance as 2014 is the year of agriculture. These are the

main points of collaboration with the agency. The information put forward in these briefs has also

been used in the development of articles in main stream media as well in discussions in parliament.

3.2 Bunge Exhibition in Dodoma ANSAF participated in CSOs parliamentary exhibitions. The purpose of this exhibition was to build relationship between government and Civil Society Organizations. ANSAF got an opportunity to promote the work and lobby with MPs on the issues affecting smallholder farmers. There were eleven MPs and a sitting Minister who visited ANSAF at the exhibition and they all showed a keen interest on our work.

Outcome:

TBC interviewed the Advocacy and Communication Officer who spoke about the work of ANSAF. The

interview was aired on the 29th May, 2013 nationwide followed by several calls from viewers who

wanted to get more details about ANSAF. One individual joined ANSAF as a result of the interview

and 3 organizations showed interest to join.

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3.3 Social Accountability Monitoring exercises

Three social accountability monitoring meetings were held in 2013, one in March and the other one

in August to discuss SAM reports from six different districts in Tanzania. The first SAM meeting was a

workshop held on 22nd March 2013 at Golden Tulip which was organized by ANSAF in

collaboration with the Foundation for Civil Society. The SAM reports came from the following six

districts (with ANSAF members in brackets) were: Tandahimba and Singida (Action Aid), Karagwe

(KADERES), Ulanga (CEMDO), Korogwe (Katani Limited) and Iringa (CONCERN Worldwide). After

the reports were presented, participants came up with a roadmap for further engagement on the

issues to the decision makers. Participants from this workshop were CSO and Media. Issues raised

were:

Resource Identification and Planning Process:

There is limited planning process with different stakeholders such as NGOs, private sectors, and

community groups. The O&OD is barely found to take place for example Tandahimba District

Council held O&OD 10 years ago.

Councilors are given inadequate time to peruse, consult and prepare to participate in budget

debates actively. This results in little preparation before the council meeting where they have to

approve documents.

The majority of LGAs collect substantial amounts of income from agriculture for example Iringa

17%, Ulanga 65%. Yet from the LGA own sources that agricultural sector has contributed, there is

little plough back into the sector.

The allocation of agriculture budget is relatively minimal compared to health and education; the

slogan ―Kilimo Kwanza” is therefore not well resourced at the local level.

Some districts indicate higher allocation of funds goes to development for example Tandahimba

allocated 73% of total budget to District Agricultural Development Grant.

Fewer and delayed disbursements of funds from central government have negatively affected

project implementation.

Expenditure and Performance:

Diversion of funds to unplanned projects; Unspent project funds

Most of the LGAs have been receiving unqualified audit certificates, meaning that there are

pending matters that need to be cleared. None of the districts have a clean report without

queries.

LGA officials do not provide financial information to the people as required by LGA financial

laws and budget guidelines.

Public integrity and Oversight:

Councilors cannot access and are not given an opportunity to discuss financial reports, including

those prepared by the National Audit Office (NAO) and yet council is expected to monitor the

LGAs performance.

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There is lower level of civic awareness on their rights and responsibilities.

The local councils have been more proactive in demanding government accountability especially

Karagwe and Ulanga.

The second Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) team meeting organized by the in Ulanga was

held in Ifakara on the 26th June, 2013. It discussed the changes that had come up since the SAM

team received training in 2012. During this meeting, the SAM team revisited issues that were causing

conflicts between district officials and SAM teams. The differences were discussed and resolved

amicably. From this experience, ANSAF learned that the creation of SAM teams have facilitated

ease identification of accountability challenges and group dynamics.

The SAM team noted that:

In order to ease relationships among community members, it was necessary for the government to

give feedback on actions that have been taken to discipline leaders who fail to deliver.

An agricultural information center that was being constructed in Mwaya with a value of TZS80

million (2011/12 budget) turned out to be a stalled project. The SAM team visited the

construction site and came up with their recommendations.

The outcomes of SAM exercises included individual citizens are now able to demand explanation

from their leaders on various issues. For example:

Mr. Majiji (councillor) realized that there had been some missing funds in one of the districts

and after he followed up, the District Executive Director returned the funds. He also followed

up with other councilors in wards where there were audit queries to be answered. He gave

some training to his fellow councilors to enable them to better exercise their mandate.

Mr. Ngomoi (a farmer) went to the district to ask district officials to be transparent on the

funds received from different stakeholders. The local government now publishes all the

incomes on all the noticeboards.

Mr. Majiji explained that in Ulanga, 50% of the funds collected from crop cess have been

given the district to be used to introduce other crops such as cocoa. Cashew seedlings were

also bought and distributed to farmers.

Miss Hawa Yusuf (a farmer) followed up

the Kilombero Valley Teak Company

(KVTC) and requested together with her

group that the company donates funds

for the development of their

organization. KVTC is now contributing

TZS12 million to two villages. The

villages were receiving TZS2 million

before the SAM training took place.

Photo: 2 Ulanga SAM team members in Ifakara

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Way forward:

The team decided that they will review stalled projects. Specifically, the team would revisit the

agricultural information center in Mwaya, the irrigation scheme in Iyuga and also look into the late

delivery of inputs (soil tests and whether the district receives the right inputs). The SAM team also

requested to host a dialogue session on the inclusion in decision making processes and the

implementation of the budget.

The third SAM event took place in Ulanga in August 2013 where ANSAF secretariat attended a

refresher course on documentary and case study development. The trainers, Get Real Training (GRT),

required that each participating organization must develop a nine-minute documentary. ANSAF

decided to document the social accountability monitoring (SAM) experience from the Minepa

Irrigation Scheme in Ulanga in Morogoro.

The documentary was a success story based the work of the SAM team covering rice irrigation

project in Minepa, Ulanga district. One outcomes of SAM work as quoted by the district commissioner

and farmers, was increased yield due to water availability and more district revenues (around TZS 2

billion per year). As a key learning, the district committed to properly manage the tendering process,

ensure involvement of farmers from inception stage and provide room for them to supervise and

participate throughout the process. The documentary featured local government officials, SAM team

and ordinary citizen around the irrigation scheme. The documentary was the first case study

produced by ANSAF.

Way forward:

ANSAF needs to engage and work with LGAs, Private Sector, Media and other CSOs to build and

strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders. Identify journalists and editors that could develop a

media strategy on Local budget cycle, 10% increased budget in agricultural sector. Members

undertaking SAM might need to continue working on local issues and encourage wider involvement of

local people. Media plays an important role in advocacy; hence they need to be engaged during

the research stage.

3.4 Budget Analysis Following the recruitment of the coordinator for Policy and Budget Analysis, this work was reinvigorated from March. Budget Analysis aims at monitoring and assessing public expenditure, sharing findings with various stakeholders and suggesting for improvement of services and public use of resources for responsibility. During the first half of 2013, ANSAF secretariat in collaboration with RMDI visited and collected relevant information for budget analysis work in Mpwapwa district. The budget analysis small working group involving ANSAF's members (currently seven) received training late June and individually are analyzing budgets from Kondoa, Korogwe, Iringa (r), Babati, Masasi, Karagwe and Arumeru district councils. The findings from individual district sector budget analysis will be compiled into a comprehensive document to be shared at national level.

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PART FOUR: SPEAKING A LITTLE LOUDER Introduction

Effective coordination of value chain actors is one of ANSAF‘s vision for change for smallholder farmers. In 2013 ANSAF worked to ensure that the collective voice of the poor—at the producer or consumer level—is heard.

OC4: The voices of SHF and consumers are being heard by decision

makers ANSAF actively organized and conducted breakfast debates as well as events where small holder

farmers where represented. ANSAF also worked with partners to stimulate increased coverage on

agricultural reporting. This included linking journalists with members to get issues of small holder

farmers and MSMEs into the public domain.

4.1 Constitutional review 2013

The Tanzania Constitution Review held a session to collect issues from with various stakeholders;

ANSAF was given an opportunity to present concerns and issues on behalf of Civil Society

Organizations working for smallholder farmers and raise pertinent issues in agricultural sector. On

10th January 2013, ANSAF accompanied by members from MVIWATA, OXFAM and PELUM

particularly farmers to presented suggestions to the constitutional committee at Karimjee Hall, Dar Es

Salaam.

Issues raised included:

Recognition of Smallholder farmers and what elements describe various categories of farmers

(Small scale, Medium and Large scale farmer) is not clearly articulated in the current constitution

and needs reflection. 90% of agriculture producers are small scale farmers, and they remain

unrepresented and less involved in the policy making.

Right to Food; every citizen has a right to produce, sell their produce when there is market and

receive timely pay for their produce. Land grabbing which is a serious issue hinders and

undermines the right to produce.

The constitution needs to state clearly, what are the securities and assurances to farmers on land

ownership.

The constitution should identify ways to provide secured social basic needs to farmers such as

education, infrastructure, health and inputs.

Investment of women production should be a high priority.

Secure farmers on their produce through sustainable and reliable markets.

Issues and questions addressed during the discussion.

Which national vision is to be written on the constitution?

What should be the constitutional focus on Agriculture? Example ―Kilimo Kwanza‖

What in particular does the constitution write on rights to farmers and farmers groups?

What about the right to farmers to sell their produce in free markets.

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The need for the government to stop land conflict through proper survey and mapping,

demarcation and allocation to various users such as farming and pastoralists communities.

Government requires to set up mind and attitude on farming as a business

Constitution should state the pricing system of crops that compete with the world market.

Constitution should state the entrance age of village leaders on board.

Age for land ownership should be revised to 20 years old so as to bring benefit to the youth.

Constitution should identify tax that is paid by the villages.

Create an independent committee to hold and account irresponsible leaders.

4.2 Breakfast Debate: Investment in Cashew nut Industry The Breakfast debate was held as part of the debates and discussion among the stakeholders at the

national level. It was hosted by Policy Forum, and convened by ANSAF on 28th March, 2013 at the

British Council, Dar Es Salaam. The overall participation was 44 participants including Civil Society

Organizations, research institutions, Farmers organization, Private Sector, Government (TAMISEMI &

CBT), Donors & Media. The aim of the debate was to share findings of the research and experience

from the ground (farmers) during the field visits.

Response from the participants:

The Cashew Board Director argued that the farm gate prices quoted in the research are

distorted and that they do not reflect to the cashew board structure; he stated that the Farm

Gate Price is the highest price and farmers minimum payment includes; operational cost, levy,

LGA (5%), Coop. unions, storage, packaging and transport. He also argued that the

Warehouse system was initiated to secure price to farmers unlike the free market. For

instance; in the year 2006 farmers received TZS 600 per Kilo in the market and currently

farmers are getting twice the price they used to get upon introducing the warehouse system.

Local consumption of cashew is very poor, this is due to the fact that it is very expensive and

it has not been promoted internally.

The grading system is argued to have two types of grading to allow competition, however

farmers need to be paid according to the grade they produce and abolish the equal payment to

all farmers.

Way forward:

Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT) has committed to work with ANSAF in transforming the sector;

following will be the investors‘ workshop which will be held in August.

Outcome:

CBT has reached out in earnest to ANSAF and has agreed to form a technical committee to have an

investors' conference in order to stimulate local processing. There are discussions on synthesizing

information and working towards stimulating changes that are out of CBT‘s mandate.

Impact:

ANSAF has also received a wide response from other players in the market seeking to be involved in

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making reforms in the sub sector. Some of these organizations include SNV, S&M Agro Enterprises

(Rufiji), Yara and other development partners interested in the sub sector.

4.3 Excellence in Journalism Award Tanzania

ANSAF in collaboration with BEST-AC initiated and sponsored the Agriculture and Agri-business

category on the Excellency in Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT) aiming to incentivize young

journalists reporting on agricultural and rural business in agriculture sector. The overall award

categorizes are 19 with the Agriculture and Agribusiness included for the first time. The event took

place on 5th April, 2013 at the Diamond Jubilee Hall, Dar Es Salaam. It was honored by the First

Vice President of Zanzibar Hon. Hamad Seif Shariff.

In 2013 EJAT received about 41 entries from journalists. One article was nominated on the

agriculture and agribusiness category titled ―The article highlights how the adoption of modern

agriculture techniques through the use of compost manure improved seeds‖ by Zephania Ubwani

from The Citizen newspaper. One radio program was nominated. The winner for the mentioned

category was Latifu Matimbwa from TBC TAIFA, Dar Es Salaam. The program was on ―Agriculture not

only relies on food security, but also lifts the livelihood of farmers through the integration of East

African Community‖. Currently the EJAT entry for 2013 has been launched, and IBEJ students in

particular have been encouraged to participate. The Executive Secretary of ANSAF was honored to

present an award to the Radio winner while the BEST-AC Chairman of the Board, Director of SIDO

presented an award to the print media winner. There were five IBEJ students who were nominated

and two journalists were winners in different categories. One of the journalists was nominated in the

agriculture and agribusiness category but was not the overall winner in this category.

4.4 Three legged Model: Researchers, Advocacy and Media In September 2012, ANSAF in collaboration with The Foundation for Civil Society hosted a meeting

to strengthen linkages between Advocacy, Research and Media. The purpose for this approach was

to strengthen synergies and form a relationship to influence agricultural policy change in particular.

A small team of representatives from media, advocacy institutions and academia/research was

formed in order to develop milestones and action plan for coordinated engagement. Among others,

institutions involved include, Sahara Communication, IPP media, Mwananchi Communications;

Researchers group entailed of ESRF and REPOA and Advocacy group which involved ANSAF and

Policy Forum secretariats.

4.5 Celebration of African Union Year of agriculture

ANSAF in collaboration with ONE Africa took lead in organising for a petition hand-in event to the

state house, in March 2012. H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, the President of URT received 16,000 signatures

from farmers all over Africa. In September 2012, African Union announced 2014 to be the Africa

Year of Agriculture. It is with this understanding that in December, 2013 ANSAF in collaboration with

Clouds Media and ONE organized a Farmers‘ consultation Policy forum to collect views from farmers.

A draft of key policy asks has been developed, which is used to influence opinion and policy makers

on agricultural investment and involvement of youth and women in agricultural policy processes.

Presentations were done by ANSAF and a representative from Tanzania Youth in Agribusiness Forum

(TYIAF) as well as representative farmer from MVIWATA.

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PART FIVE: KNOWING MORE FROM OTHERS Introduction

In 2013, ANSAF secretariat and its members have worked to promote better coordination of actors along value chains. Coordination, according to ANSAF, enhanced smallholder farmers‘ participation and releasing relevant information gathered from various levels. This section presents the outcomes of ANSAF‘s intervention regarding coordination of efforts of different actors.

OC5. Improved coordination by Service Providers for SHFs & SMEs

5.1 Annual learning Event with ANSAF Members

The first sharing event in 2013 was held on 14th February. The learning and sharing among ANSAF

members was based on two key activities: a research on effective regulation of cashew industry in

Tanzania; and the outcomes of Agriculture budget trend allocation over the past five years. The

presentations included sharing the experience from the cashew farmers from Masasi High Quality

and Mafama based in Mtwara. During the presentations and discussions, participants raised issues

such as the lack of capital; poor packaging and access to markets. Price setting systems wasn‘t fair

as farmers were not represented. Cooperative societies do not allow farmers to join; and low

literacy level of Lindi and Mtwara farmers results to leaders‘ domination.

The second learning event was held on the last two days of October 2013, and the topic was: ―Role

of Private Sector and Smallholder Farmers in Addressing Food insecurity and Poverty in Tanzania.‖

This annual event brought together 77 participants (55 males and 22 females) from civil society

organizations, government institutions, development partners, smallholder producers and private

companies. Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ms Maria H. Bilia, graced

the event.

Eight presentations were made of which five were from private companies and three from CSOs.

Kilombero Plantation Limited (KPL): Setting the Standard for Suitable Agriculture in East Africa;

Smallholder System for Rice Intensification (SRI).

Katani Limited: Smallholder Siso model and Siso Scheme.

Agro EcoEnergy Tanzania Limited: Farmers experience in systematic learning process and

Optimization of social and economic development.

Yara Tanzania Limited: Environment and Climate Compatible Agriculture.

Aga Khan Foundation: Transforming a fragmented agricultural production system into a vibrant

market business opportunity.

Oxfam: Vegetable Value Chain in Tanga Region.

Tandahimba Farmers Association: Approach on Reflect Circle, cashew sub-sector.

Home Veg: Unique Partnership in promoting Smallholder fresh produce.

Key emerging policy issues addressed included;

The effect of importation of tax exempted rice and sugar in the country to smallholder

producers‘ income.

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Land ownership among smallholder farmers is relatively low; only 3% of them have title deeds.

Land conflicts have tremendously increased between crop growers and pastoralists as well as

between villagers and investors.

Access to finance and agro processing for smallholder producers remains a big challenge.

Smallholder producers‘ lack collaterals as prerequisite to access bank loans. Customary title

deeds are not honored by lending institutions and interest rates are too high (16 – 20%).

Establish an independent commission to control importation and distribution of exempted

imported goods especially on sugar and cereals (rice) to ensure that there will be negative effect

to local producers.

Introduction of an authorized body to manage land issues to ensure proper land survey and

allocation for various uses.

There should be a clear guideline/structure for financial partnership.

ANSAF should conduct research, prepare platform for dialogues and advocacy against poor

policies.

Way forward:

Members working in cashew region committed to make preparations and coordinate workshops in

their specific regions. They agreed to ensure dialogues on cashew are held continuously and mobilize

citizens to take action. ANSAF secretariat was requested to translate the studies into Kiswahili to

ensure that farmers can understand and to inform, educate and mobilize collective actions.

5.2 Membership Survey The secretariat conducted a membership survey at the members meeting and later sent electronic

copies of the survey to members who did not attend the meeting. The survey‘s main aim was to find

out what the needs of ANSAF members were and if the secretariat was indeed meeting these needs.

The survey also sought to find out what the key issues members were interested in either receiving

information or advocating for change. 34 members responded in total where 26 members filled out

the survey in English and the remaining 8 in Kiswahili.

The top 3 reasons for members to join ANSAF included having access to agricultural related

information, networking and advocacy. Out of the survey respondents, 87% felt that these needs

were being met. The survey also revealed that members had varying needs in terms of issues they

would like to be advocated for as well as issues that they felt needed more information on. The

diversity of ANSAF members‘ needs is shown in the chart below. Overall, 68% of survey respondents

were satisfied with being an ANSAF member whereas 23% were very satisfied.

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Issues of interest to members as per survey findings:

5.3 New Website Developed and Launched. The development of ANSAF new website began in 2012; this included the layout redesign and content development as per the new strategic plan 2013 – 2017. ANSAF received comments from the public that the new website is attractive, user friendly and is an agriculture information hub for stakeholders. The new design also enables video and radio programmes to be viewed live. It gives viewers room to send their concerns directly to the secretariat.

5.4 Communication & Advocacy Working Group

Members of the working group are required to identify community radios in areas where they work.

The aim is to engage with the media at the local level and raise issues affecting the rural population,

provide space for smallholder farmers to actively discuss issues and seek response to their leaders.

Also, ANSAF will be financing the airtime for the programmes. ANSAF also seeks to share the existing

programmes prepared by ANSAF, Partners and other relevant programmes that will benefit the rural

populace. Community radios identified include; Radio Uzima at Singida and Dodoma central region,

Karagwe radio community in Bukoba and Makunduchi radio in Unguja.

The working group will take the lead in the process of releasing ANSAF‘s magazine. They have

selected the theme for the next magazine to include: Farmer‘s rights particularly on SHF seed systems

vis-a-vis formal seed systems.

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PART SIX: BUILDING INTERNAL CAPACITIES Introduction

Effectively delivery of ANSAF Strategic Plan, among others is highly dependent on how internal capacity and systems are organized to bring about the desired results. Several activities were conducted to support the Secretariat to deliver, strengthen staff capacity and finalization the review of ANSAF constitution.

OC6: Improved Capacity of ANSAF Secretariat Two major retreats were organized to sharpen capacity of staff to plan and execute individual

plans; and to build team through optimizing individual skills and capabilities in June and December

2013.

6.1 Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Evaluation of Programmes

The Secretariat has worked to link ANSAF activities with desired outcomes as agreed by the board.

This has been how to track program progress and performance over time in order to assess

achievements relative to the organizational goal, expected results and outcomes, and to

communicate key lessons within the wider membership and other stakeholders. Above all, create

opportunity for adaptive project management and learning.

The M&E section, being on its initial stages has worked to developing tools for collecting, processing,

analysing and availing information and; evaluation results on key intervention impacts, outcomes and

results. Outcome mapping model will be employed to trace behaviour change of partners who play

a big role in achieving ANSAF goal over the entire strategic period.

ANSAF Logical framework review: The logical framework has been redesigned to capture desired

indicators to track behavior change among boundary partners. The draft was ready and will be

incorporated in the monitoring and evaluation plan.

Outcome mapping induction: Staff were trained on outcome mapping which aimed at enabling

ANSAF together with its members to use OM for monitoring the behavior change among boundary

partners. The first one focused on the key concepts and a way through developing progress markers

for each boundary partner.

Key observations made were;

Merging up progress markers and logical frame indicators to complement each other in tracking

the progress of BPs and results to the target group

Reviewing the current outcomes to reflect change based on the level

Develop clear focus on who are the specific target that ANSAF focus to change, group to work

with to influence change

6.2 Human, Material resources management and development improved

Developing capacity among working groups and secretariat staffing is pivotal in ensuring quality

work. An advocacy and policy analysis training was done for both working groups (policy and

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budget as well as communication and advocacy groups), with the aim of strengthening their

analytical and conceptual skills. A total of 22 (15Male, 7 Female) from 14 different institutions

attended the training, which was facilitated by individuals from the Institute of Finance Management

(IFM) and the Economic Social Research foundation (ESRF). The policy working group planned to

undertake research on agricultural infrastructure development in the context of 2014 as African year

of agriculture.

6.3 Personnel Issues

At the beginning of the year staff and their line managers set some performance goals that required

individual staff to achieve at the end of the year. Performance Development Review (PDR) tool was

used to track staff work progress against performance goals and objectives which in the end

provides the opportunity to recognize and reward employees. This is an assessment tool that

enabled employees to have a clear understanding of individual goals and how they fit into the

larger organization. ANSAF started using this tool in 2013.

Although all key positions were filled at the beginning of the year, some dropped for various

reasons. One of the positions was vacant for almost six months – which derailed implementation of

major activities. Two more staff left the organization in November and December 2013. Despite this

challenge, contract for new staff were issued to start the work in early January 2014.

6.4 Organizational Development (OD)

As a follow up to members‘ suggestion, ANSAF had to establish its board, changing the name from

Steering committee, increasing number of board members and reviewing sections within the

constitution. These were done in May, during Annual General meeting. A small team formed by

members and representative from the secretariat worked to produce the final version of ANSAF,

Constitution. The constitution was endorsed in October during Half Year Members meeting. A new

board will be nominated in May 2014 during AGM.

Organizational Development (OD) is an important element during the first few years of implementing

the Strategic plan though at a later stage this will be a continuous process. As it is the first time that

ANSAF is implementing this, external consultation had to be sourced to assist the secretariat in

identifying areas that needed development such as leadership, management, operational etc. With

the assistance from SDC, EmJee consultants were selected to undertake the OD assignment which will

be implemented over an agreed span of time.

6.5 Membership Directory

Following increase in number of ANSAF membership, the Secretariat began working on members‘

profile, updating their information for easy retrieval. The updated directory will be uploaded on

ANSAF website in PDF format for easy accessibility. This will allow improved knowledge sharing on

member‘s services and enhance capacity.

6.6 Communication Handbook

The creation of a communication handbook is geared to effective address the various forms of

communication and tips for communicating for the ANSAF team. The final draft was shared to

secretariat for application to enable ANSAF employees to communicate effectively and efficiently.

The communication handbook is important for other people who are new to ANSAF, including new

staff during induction process.

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6.7 ANSAF Wins ONE Africa Award

Towards the end of the year, during the last month of the third quarter, ANSAF registered to

compete for ONE Africa Award for 2013. In November 2013, ANSAF won One Africa award worth

USD100,000 following a stiff competition which involved over 250 organizations across the

continent. A key criterion on the competition was the ability to deploy robust advocacy tactics so as

to bring sustainable change on systemic issues regarding public service delivery. Other major criteria

include: innovation in programming and undertaking advocacy work; the opportunities for scaling up

or replicating their model elsewhere; ability to build and utilize creative partnerships and

demonstration of strong internal and constituency accountability mechanisms. Competing institution

should have ability to demonstrate progress and impact in a results-oriented framework. ANSAF has

been working hard to hold the government accountable for its spending promises related to the 10%

budget commitment toward agriculture as agreed in Maputo in 2003. As a result, the South Africa-

based One Africa chose to partner with ANSAF to lead the campaign for the implementation of the

Maputo declaration by organizing celebration for Year of Agriculture of Africa. A pre forum on the

Year of Agriculture campaign was organized and it focused on investment in agriculture sector as

follow up on Maputo Declaration of 2003.

6.8 Financial summary of ANSAF performance in 2013 The year 2013 has seen a remarkable progress in ANSAF financial performance. Revenue rose from

TZS622.75 million in 2012 to TZS1.42 billion in 2013. This represents 128% increase. ANSAF has

also been able to utilize the funds received from development partners. Total expenditure amounted

to TZS1,200,515,407.17 which compared to a budget of TZS1,313,497,227 reflects a 91% budget

utilization. It can also be noted that most of the planned activities were implemented in the year

2013.

ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE PERFORMANCE

CATEGORY

TZS (Actual

Expenditure) TZS (Budget) %

ADMIN 518,450,161.63 55,978,343.00 93

PROGRAM 682,065,245.37 57,518,884.00 90

TOTAL 1,200,515,407.00 1,313,497,227.00 91

NOTE: Program staff (salaries) budget amounting to TZS 217,506,907.58 is reflected under Admin budget

in the above table.

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PART SEVEN: RECOMMENDATIONS& WAY FORWARD Introduction

General recommendations and the way forward presented in this section captures issues that require further attention of ANSAF secretariat, ANSAF members, smallholder farmers, government agencies and development partners.

7.1 General Conclusions

The level of engagement is stronger than it was before. Focus on value chain, such as cashew nut

to leverage advocacy work in other commodities means more work with farmers.

ANSAF Secretariat has to strengthen the relationship with members in cashew growing areas so

as to keep the discussion going with farmers. The way forward is to strengthen the task forces

and ensure members are fully involved to engage in local level advocacy

National level policy work in the value chain is of much importance, as we bring even closer the

TIC and CBT to identify nuisance policy clauses and practices that keep away serious investors

from engaging in cashew nut.

Collaboratively reach-out and influence serious traders across the global to come and invest/buy

cashew in Tanzania.

Good policies are nothing if the enforcement is poor and the users/consumers of such policies

have little understanding about them. In the coming months, ANSAF will work with the Federation

of Cooperatives in Tanzania as well as the department for cooperatives development in the

ministry to produce a popular version (simplified Kiswahili and English language) of cooperative

policy and Act.

Working with members to optimize the presence of platforms for dialogue and community radios

in strengthening accountability through farmers‘ voice. Platforms for dialogue and community

radios offer opportunity for good encounter between duty bearers and rights holders. These

coming months more work focusing on value chains, resource/budget process will be shared

through these platforms under the leadership of ANSAF members

Board involvement in strategic interventions and strengthen Secretariat. With fully fledge slim

staff-base and clear roles of working group and the board, ANSAF aims at improving on their

relationship with members, increased professionalism and timely and quality delivery of its

services to our constituencies.

7.2 The way forward

Considering that year 2014 is an African Union Year of Agriculture, (AYoA) ANSAF will finalize

the key policy tasks that were developed by farmers and organize a national youth forum on

agriculture.

Strengthen members‘ ability to take full ownership of local dialogue platforms.

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Strengthen member‘s capacities to effectively engage in coordinating actors in cashew value in

relevant issues such as marketing, access to capital and technology. National level work will

involve the policy environment for cashew subsector.

Deeper analysis on agricultural sector budget – with examples on infrastructure and distribution

of budget among regions which are economically poor and food insecure.

Promoting the use of community radios in advocating policy issues affecting smallholder farmers.

Finalizing OD issues including replacement of new staff, board members and updating ANSAF

members‘ profile.

In the year 2014, ANSAF is looking forward to enhance capacity of its members both at local

and national level to help build smallholder producers capacity and strengthen value-chain

dialogues. ANSAF also mobilize links between service providers and processors with farmer

groups/representatives through contract farming, and mobilize farmers to search for markets

within and outside their production areas.

In the future, ANSAF will collaborate with CBT in strengthening the coordination of stakeholders in

the value chain that will allow competitive trade by exploring and share market information for

processed cashew and kernel business (domestically and regionally) as opposed to in-shell

business. A fact sheet, roadmap and shared vision are annexed to this report for more reading

on cashew work by ANSAF.

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PART EIGHT: EVIDENCE OF WHAT WE SAY

Introduction Several reports were used to compose this annual report. A few of the reports and graphics form the

annex of this report as presented in this section.

8.1 References 1. ANSAF 2013 Research reports and feedback sessions (examples, Review of Local Budget

Cycle Analysis in Agricultural Sector; Situational Analysis and Advocacy Issues; Institute of

Management and Entreprereur Development, cashew reports e.t.c).

2. ANSAF 2013 Mid-Year Report, January – June 2013, published in July 2013.

3. ANSAF Strategic Plan 2013-2017.

4. ANSAF July – December 2013 Report, produced in March 2014.

5. ANSAF Results January – June 2013.

8.2 Annexes

Participants of ANSAF events in 2013

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A sample of media coverage in 2013

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