From Traditional Farmers to Thriving Entrepreneurs
Meet Aliko Mwalusepo and Eva Mgode, a young farming couple from the Mbozi District in the Songwe Region of Tanzania. They are proud parents of two children—a five-year-old and a ten-month-old. Their journey to success began when they joined the Enhancing Livelihood Prospects for Young People in Tanzania (SAfA) project in 2023 through the Msumbi Youth Farmer Field School (YFFS).
Before joining the project, Aliko and Eva were involved in coffee and maize farming, as well as livestock keeping (chickens, pigs, goats, and cows). However, they practised traditional farming methods, which restricted their productivity and income. Through the SAfA project, they received various training sessions that transformed their farming and business practices, significantly enhancing their livelihoods.
One of the key trainings Aliko attended was on sustainable agriculture, offered by HRNS in partnership with @Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT). He learned effective and enhanced husbandry techniques, which enabled him to improve pig rearing. Previously, he sold pigs for TZS 350,000 to TZS 400,000 each, but after applying the new skills, he was able to sell two pigs for TZS 600,000 each, generating TZS 1,200,000 in income. Today, Aliko and Eva have expanded their pig business to 10 pigs, which they rear using improved methods.
In addition to raising livestock, the couple utilized the business skills they acquired from the SAfA project to open a small shop. This created an additional source of income, further enhancing their financial stability. The gender training they received also significantly contributed to their ability to make joint decisions as a family, improving their planning and business management.
Furthermore, Aliko has made progress in coffee farming by planting 226 coffee seedlings in a new field, with intentions to expand both their maize and coffee farms.
The impact of the SAfA project on Aliko and Eva’s household is clear. Their annual income has risen from TZS 900,000 to TZS 3,000,000, signifying a substantial improvement in their standard of living. With their thriving business, they plan to expand livestock farming further, expand their shop, and boost their maize and coffee production.
Their success has motivated other young people in their community, demonstrating that with the right training and determination, farming can lead to prosperity. Through dedication and hard work, Aliko and Eva anticipate increasing their annual income to TZS 4,500,000. This financial milestone will represent a vital step toward their long-term goals. One of their primary aspirations is to construct a new house, which they expect to begin building in 2026.
