The Ticket to Prosperity: Part III

The Ticket to Prosperity in Tanzania is Food Processing: Part III

Parts One and Two of this blog were previously posted. They focused on problems farmers face in Tanzania as a result of a nonexistent food processing sector there. Poverty is rampant because farmers in rural Karagwe raise robust crops with next to no mechanization, bring them to overcrowded markets, and are exploited by others who refuse to pay fair market value. Five communities in Karagwe asked for ETI’s help in establishing a food processing industry. They want to have a place to sell their robust crops, increase their incomes, and provide nutritious juices and foods for their families, communities, and beyond.

This blog entry: “The Ticket to Prosperity in Tanzania is Food Processing: Part III”, focuses on our progress as we establish a food processing plant. ETI and partners are 40% done, fully committed, and eager to realize the vision. 

ACTION

Once the need is clear, and communities have shared their insights about how the needs could be met, ETI takes action. Below is an outline of our work, milestones accomplished, and goals set. These are all couched in the vision of a transformed tomorrow that benefits Tanzanian farmers. Now is the time to lift up the communities of Karagwe.  

HOW WE ARE BRINGING FOOD PROCESSING TO KARAGWE

1.      ETI partnered with the University of Minnesota, and surveyed 200+ people from five communities. “Help us build a place to process our robust crops into value-added products.”    Food Processing is top priority.

University of Minnesota’s Dr. Chris Johnstone, surveys 5 communities in Karagwe.

2.      Built on local solutions, a case statement was created that focused on the envisioned outcomes of the food processing plant. FURSA is “Opportunity” in Swahili.

The Case Statement tells why food processing is critical to Tanzania’s growth.

3.      Partner, Bruce Engel, award-winning architect at BE Design, NY, worked with Karagwe Diocese Management Team and residents to design a practical and efficient processing plant, inspired by local, traditional, Tanzanian architecture.  

4.      Partnership and hard work resulted in renderings that all partners approved.

Images by Bruce Engel, BE Design, NY

5.      Geotechnical assessments confirmed site selection, adjacent to KARUCO and the main road.

6.      The site was cleared, blessed and construction began.

 7.      Construction continues.

CURRENTLY                                                                       AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2025

The food processing plant is 40% complete. ETI needs $400,000. USD to finish the work, and another $280,000 for machines.

Once complete, the plant will:

1.      be a hub to process crops into value-added products;

2.      provide increased incomes for area farmers and KARUCO;

3.      ensure fair pricing, gender equity, and fair trade;

4.      improve efficiency and reduce crop waste; and

5.      improve community health and nutrition.

ETI has a 15-year history of success, milestones, accountability and sustainability. We are not about to stop. We are building upon previous successes to bring economic and social prosperity to NW Tanzania. Won’t you help us today?

                                                              Be part of the story.