Core Programmes

The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT) prioritizes strong policy engagement to shape a favorable regulatory environment for the rice sector. Through strategic collaborations with government institutions and development partners, RCT advocates for policy reforms and initiatives that address barriers in production, trade, and investment. Their work ensures that the voices of rice stakeholders—particularly smallholder farmers—are represented in national dialogue, contributing to inclusive policies that support sector-wide growth.

Understanding the impact of climate change on agriculture, RCT integrates sustainability into all its interventions. The Council promotes climate-smart agriculture practices, water management strategies, and resilience-building approaches that reduce environmental degradation and enhance adaptation capacities of smallholder rice farmers. This commitment ensures the long-term viability of rice production in Tanzania’s vulnerable agro-ecological zones.

RCT actively promotes market-oriented rice production by supporting projects that enhance market access and create sustainable trade linkages. The Council facilitates partnerships between producers, processors, and buyers, both locally and internationally. By advocating for standards, grading systems, and improved market infrastructure, RCT contributes to increased income for rice farmers and promotes value addition across the supply chain.

A cornerstone of RCT's project implementation is the provision of targeted training and technical assistance to value chain actors. This includes equipping farmers with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), training millers and traders in quality management, comply with regulatory compliance and strengthening institutional capacities of farmer organizations. RCT's approach ensures that stakeholders have the skills, tools, and knowledge to improve productivity, quality, and competitiveness in the rice sector.

RCT serves as a central platform for unifying diverse rice value chain actors including farmers, processors, traders, researchers, and policymakers. By fostering collaboration, RCT ensures alignment of efforts, minimizes duplication, and maximizes the impact of various initiatives. Their coordination role enhances trust and cooperation among stakeholders, enabling joint actions and shared solutions to challenges facing the rice industry in Tanzania.

RCT values evidence-based planning and decision-making. Through collaboration with research institutions and academia, RCT engages in data collection, analysis, and dissemination to inform policy and practice. The Council supports innovation in rice farming technologies, seed systems, and value chain efficiency, helping stakeholders adapt to emerging trends and improve productivity sustainably.

As a member-based organization, RCT is committed to serving its members by representing their interests in national, regional, district and global platforms. It provides members with timely information, business development services, capacity-building opportunities, and policy updates. RCT ensures that its members’ voices are heard in critical discussions affecting the rice industry, reinforcing inclusive governance and participatory development.