The system will also allow financial institutions and suppliers of equipment, technology and other dairy-related products to advertise their services to potential customers
Arusha. Dairy farmers, processors and other players in Tanzania’s milk value chain are expected to gain wider market access through Maziwa Hub, a digital platform designed to connect them and provide timely information on markets, prices and demand.
The platform, developed and coordinated by the Tanzania Milk Processors Association (Tampa), is also intended to improve tracking of milk production and quality while linking users with veterinary services, training, financing and other technical support.
Speaking on Sunday during a meeting of agriculture and livestock stakeholders on the use of technology in the sector, Tampa secretary-general Florence Ngoma said the platform aimed to make transactions easier and improve access to reliable market information.
She said inadequate information had left some farmers without reliable markets, while processors struggled to secure sufficient milk from producers at known prices and quantities.
“We have developed a digital platform that will connect all players in Tanzania’s milk value chain. It is currently being tested and will be officially launched soon,” she said.
Ms Ngoma said farmers would be able to access information about buyers and markets, while processors could identify areas with available milk and conduct transactions through the platform.
The system will also allow financial institutions and suppliers of equipment, technology and other dairy-related products to advertise their services to potential customers.
Dairy stakeholder Jackline Ngasa said Maziwa Hub would make it easier for farmers and processors to find each other without relying on multiple channels to secure markets. She said processors would also be able to showcase their products, making it easier for customers to identify and contact them.
The platform would also connect processors with technology suppliers locally and abroad, reducing the need to travel in search of equipment.
“It will also connect us with financial institutions, making it easier to access capital. We can put our products on the platform so customers can see and contact us,” she said.
Beyond Farming Collective project manager Grace Mhina said the initiative was part of a five-year project launched in 2022 to strengthen food and agriculture industry organisations through digital solutions.
The project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is being implemented in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia.
