Areas of Practice
Rice Council of Tanzania has over 14 years of experience in implementing agriculture sector initiatives related to the rice value chain, including advocacy and policy engagement, market development and linkages, capacity building and technical support, and climate resilience.
Commercialization of Rice Farming (COMRICE I and II)
In collaboration with Norges Vel, the Rice Council of Tanzania actively participated in the implementation of the COMRICE I and II projects. Funded by NORAD, the projects aimed to facilitate policy dialogue among stakeholders on key issues affecting the rice value chain. Implementation took place across Mbarali and Kilombero districts, focusing on addressing challenges and promoting sustainable commercialization of rice farming in Tanzania.
Research on the effect of Climate Change
In collaboration with ANSAF, the Rice Council of Tanzania conducted a project focusing on assessing the impacts of climate change on smallholder rice farming. The initiative aimed to inform policy dialogue among key stakeholders on critical issues affecting the rice value chain, particularly in the context of climate adaptation and mitigation. The project was implemented in Lake zone (Shinyanga and parts of Geita) targeting areas highly dependent on rice production and vulnerable to climate variability.
USAID Feed the Future (NAFAKA)
Rice Council of Tanzania collaborated with ACDI/VOCA under the USAID NAFAKA Project to strengthen the rice value chain in Tanzania. The project identified and trained 36 grade monitors within 18 producer organizations to enhance compliance with paddy quality standards and grading systems. It also conducted research on policy and regulatory issues affecting the rice business environment, including rice seed systems, export licensing, and cross-border trade regulations related to weights and measures. The project was implemented in Mbarali, Mvomero, Iringa, and Kilombero, targeting key rice-producing areas.
NAFAKA-Sera
Project implementation was a collaboration between the Rice Council of Tanzania and ACDI/VOCA under USAID support. The project focused on institutional capacity building and policy advocacy to promote a more conducive regulatory and business environment for the sustainable growth of the rice industry in Tanzania. Activities were carried out at the national level, aiming to strengthen stakeholder engagement and influence policies that support rice sector development across the country.
(SSC Project) Partnership for sustainable Rice Systems Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Rice Council of Tanzania, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), implemented a project in Kilosa, Mvomero, and Kilombero Districts aimed at enhancing learning, knowledge management, and experience sharing among rice value chain actors. The project sought to promote an inclusive and efficient agricultural and food system by strengthening collaboration between smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, local authorities, researchers, and policymakers. Through dialogue platforms and capacity-building initiatives, the project facilitated the exchange of best practices and innovations in rice production, processing, and marketing. It aimed to empower rural communities, improve food safety, and reduce poverty and hunger by fostering a knowledge-driven and sustainable rice value chain in Tanzania.
Enhance Competitiveness small holders Rice farmers (ECSR)
Rice Council of Tanzania collaborated with Aga Khan Foundation Tanzania from November 2017 to June 2018 in Morogoro. The project aimed to promote mechanisms for dissemination, policy dialogue, coordination, and collaboration among rice value chain actors, as well as to train selected private storage providers (millers) on professional management of storage facilities to improve the competitiveness of smallholder rice farmers.
TradeCom II Programme
The Rice Council of Tanzania, in collaboration with REPOA, implemented a project titled “Targeted Support to Strengthen Capacity of Policy Makers, Exporters, and Trade Associations and Assess and Review Trade and Related Economic Policies to Promote Trade Competitiveness and Diversification for Widening Trading Opportunities with the EU.” The project aimed to enhance the capacity of exporters, trade associations, trade support institutions, and government bodies in Tanzania to engage more effectively in international trade, particularly with the European Union. By assessing and reviewing trade and related economic policies, the initiative supported the development and implementation of more effective and inclusive trade strategies. The overall objective was to strengthen Tanzania’s position as an ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) country in promoting trade competitiveness and diversification, thereby expanding its trading opportunities with the EU and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Inclusive Rice Value Chain Project (IRVC) – Ongoing
The Rice Council of Tanzania, in collaboration with Norges Vel, implemented the Inclusive Rice Value Chain Project aimed at strengthening the rice value chain by promoting inclusivity, enhancing productivity, and improving market access for smallholder farmers through the platforms model. The project focused on building capacity, facilitating coordination among stakeholders, and supporting sustainable practices to boost the competitiveness and livelihoods of rice producers.
Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP I and II) – Ongoing
The Rice Council of Tanzania, in partnership with Rikolto, implemented the Sustainable Rice Platforms Project in two phases to promote environmentally friendly and socially inclusive rice production practices. Phase 1 was carried out in Arumeru, Mwanga, and Babati, while Phase 2 focused on Mbarali. The project aimed to build the capacity of smallholder farmers, improve resource use efficiency, and encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques. Through this collaboration, the initiative worked to strengthen resilient rice value chains that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and support both economic growth and environmental sustainability in Tanzania’s rice sector