Welcome to official AGRA Southern Highlands Zone of Tanzania Blog( 2014 SHP 002): Excursion to Kilolo Malimbichi AMCOS

To activate the spirit to success, the confidence, and effectiveness while managing their cooperatives, leading farmers from Namtumbo, Njombe and Songea Rural were sent for a learning trip - excursion at Malimbichi AMCOs, Kilolo District, Iringa region. The trip was done in January, 2016. Kilolo Malimbichi AMCOS which geographical lies under the same line and environment was identified as successful AMCOs during consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture Officials. The visit was evidence that farmers in the areas of intervention can be able to achieve their marketing targets. The study tour involved lead farmers from each district of intervention. Among other many things these leaders had an opportunity to learn: i) How to expand their portfolio ii) How to operate/manage operations in warehouses iii) How to expand market shares though increasing number of buyers outside to their areas of operations iv) How to access and manage to pay loans acquired from financial institutions v) Handling various matters relating to smooth running of their AMCOs and for the benefit of members such as project formulation, assets managements and expansion and financial management, and vi) management of the winning triplet – SACCOS – AMCOS – AGRO INPUT SUPPLIES.

In order to achieve objectives for the study tour, participants had to pay a physical visit to the Malimbichi AMCOs office, Malimbichi AMCOs shop and the Malimbichi SACCOs Premises. Participants were gathered in the District Council meeting room for detailed briefing, discussions, explanations and various illustrations.