About SMART KILIMO

SMART KILIMO is an innovative project aimed at transforming small-scale horticulture into a profitable, safe, and sustainable livelihood for youth and women in Arumeru District, Arusha. The project focuses on using smart agricultural technologies, modern farming methods, and eco-friendly practices to increase productivity, income, and food security.

By training and mentoring young people and women, and providing access to tools, improved seeds, and markets, SMART KILIMO helps turn agriculture into a viable career and entrepreneurial opportunity.

Why This Project?

Despite fertile land and favorable conditions, many farmers in Arumeru use outdated techniques that limit productivity and income. Youth often see farming as unattractive due to low returns, while women face barriers to land, finance, and market access. At the same time, unsafe pesticide use and climate change pose serious risks to health and food systems.

SMART KILIMO addresses these challenges through modern, climate-smart, and sustainable agriculture solutions.

Project Goals

Empower Youth & Women

Promote agriculture as a career through awareness, role models, and training.

Build Skills

Provide hands-on training in smart horticulture, irrigation, pest management, and agribusiness.

Introduce Technology

Promote tools like drip irrigation, greenhouses, soil sensors, and digital market platforms.

Encourage Sustainability

Use eco-friendly, non-toxic farming practices to protect health and the environment.

Strengthen Partnerships

Work with families, communities, government, NGOs, and private sector to grow the agricultural value chain.

Reduce Poverty & Create Jobs

Increase incomes through higher yields, value addition, and better market access.

Who Will Benefit?

Primary Beneficiaries

3,000 youth (ages 18–35) and women in Arusha engaged in small-scale horticulture.

Secondary Beneficiaries

Families, communities, and consumers accessing safer, more nutritious food.

Key Activities

  • Community outreach and mobilization in schools and villages
  • Establishment of training centers and demo farms
  • Distribution of smart farming tools and improved seeds
  • Market linkages with buyers, hotels, and supermarkets
  • Support for agribusiness start-ups and cooperatives
  • Access to microfinance and revolving funds

Project Impact

2,000+ New Agribusinesses
Higher Yields & Income
Reduced Health Risks
Strengthened Food Security
  • Over 2,000 new youth- and women-led agribusinesses launched
  • Increased yields and income from small land parcels
  • Reduced health risks from pesticides and unsafe farming
  • Strengthened food security and nutrition in Arusha
  • A sustainable model that can be replicated across Tanzania

Project Partners

The project is led by KIHOHE Foundation in partnership with:

  • Government authorities (local and national)
  • Agricultural research institutions
  • Private sector partners
  • NGOs and community organizations

Sustainability Plan

SMART KILIMO ensures long-term impact through:

  • Formation of cooperatives for collective action
  • Value-added enterprises for local and export markets
  • Microfinance and revolving funds for continued support
  • Integration with government agricultural programs
  • Reinvestment of revenue into expanding the initiative