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Tanzania’s sports lovers commended for using sports to address agri-challenges

October 06, 2022

By Michael Sikapundwa, Morogoro [caption id="attachment_101125" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Central and Rural Development Bank ( CRDB )'s branch manager in Morogoro region , Stephen Mapunda ( C ) in a blue suit, and Commercial Bank Company ( EQUIT )'s Senior Manager in Agri-Business. Teoford Madilu, in a gray T-shirt, pictured shortly after Morogoro regional commissioner( RC ) Fatma Mwasa handed over their trophies and certificates of recognition in Agri- Marathon .Photo: Michael Sikapundwa[/caption] Sports lovers over the weekend held Agri-Marathon in Morogoro, the Eastern part of Tanzania. The Agri-Marathon aimed to address challenges small-scale farmers encounter, such as financial challenges. The marathon, which drew more than 500 runners across the country, was held to carry out President Samia Suluhu Hassan's decision to disposses 11 large uncultivated estates totaling 24,119 acres that a minority failed to cultivate in Kilosa district, Morogoro region. Some sports sponsors, including Coca-Cola, The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT), Central and Rural Development Bank (CRDB), and Commercial Bank Company  ( EQUIT ), have applauded the event. Stephen Mapunda, Masika Branch Manager at CRDB, stated that because farmers demonstrated interest in addressing their difficulties, such as material and financial help, the bank has cut soft loan interest rates from 20% to 9%. “It’s our target to make sure smallholder farmers can afford farming costs from cultivation to harvesting,” said Mapunda. Additionally,  CRDB commits to providing agricultural cultivating skills to farmers before giving them loans. EQUIT bank, Senior Manager Teoford Madilu, said, ‘’ EQUIT operates in six African countries, but Tanzania is fortunate in that its soil is appropriate for rainfall and irrigation farming systems. Our bank will ensure that agricultural activities operate smoothly for farmers by collaborating with fertilizer producers to help them receive it on time.” Upendo Lusamba, who has been farming rice in the Malinyi district council for over ten years, complimented sports sponsors on bringing farmers together via sports. She said Agri-Marathon connected her with financial institutions, which promised her a loan with low-interest rates. According to Morogoro Regional Commissioner (RC) Fatma Mwasa, sports activities to boost the agricultural sector are sustainable, and each year, farmers' concerns will be addressed and remedied through sports.

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