Dodoma. The availability of services from the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) in Zanzibar is unlocking new economic opportunities for farmers, livestock keepers, and fishers.
Through affordable loans, financial literacy training, and strong market linkages, TADB is driving inclusive development across the islands.
Speaking during a special interview at the ongoing National Nanenane Exhibition in Dodoma, TADB Zanzibar Zonal Manager, Ally Jamal Singoi said the bank has supported a wide range of projects, including irrigation farming, modern livestock rearing, sustainable fisheries, agricultural processing, and small-scale agribusinesses led by women and youth across various value chains.
“TADB has enabled the implementation of diverse projects such as clove production, layer poultry farming, cage fish farming, and integrated agriculture that involves both young people and women,” said Singoi.
“So far, a total of 43 projects have directly benefited from these services, including seven owned by women and four by youth. Ten others have been implemented by cooperatives—eight from Pemba and two from Unguja.”
He emphasized that all these initiatives have been integrated into formal banking systems and linked to reliable markets.
In addition to financial support, the bank is providing business-oriented agricultural training, helping farmers transition from subsistence farming to more productive and commercial-oriented agriculture. Over 200 beneficiaries have already been reached through these interventions.
According to Singoi, the bank has facilitated the distribution of 352 improved dairy heifers, valued at Sh993.3 million. To ease loan repayment and enhance productivity, recipients also received performance-linked grants worth Sh222 million.
Moreover, in collaboration with the Zanzibar Department of Livestock and Heifer International, the project has delivered comprehensive support, including training in modern animal husbandry, artificial insemination, improved animal feed, and the provision of extension services.
Resources provided include motorcycles for field officers, grass-cutting machines, veterinary equipment, computers, and milk collection infrastructure—reaching a total of 1,583 livestock keepers, including 453 women.
Looking ahead, TADB plans to support emerging sectors such as marine farming particularly sea cucumber cultivation and agro-processing ventures led by women and youth.
The bank has approved Sh22 billion in financing for 2025, with Sh16 billion allocated to clove farming, Sh3.8 billion to poultry farmers, Sh1.1 billion to dairy farming, and Sh1.2 billion to vegetable producers. This investment marks a significant step toward agricultural transformation in Zanzibar.
