The Agrifood Business Incubator 2020 Cohort 1: A Transformative Journey in Arusha, Tanzania
In March 2020, Shamba Box embarked on a groundbreaking initiative in Tanzania’s agricultural sector by launching the Agrifood Business Incubator 2020 Cohort 1. The program, which took place in the vibrant city of Arusha, aimed to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the country’s food and agriculture sectors.
Why the Incubator Was Needed
Agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, with nearly 70% of the population involved in farming. However, the sector grapples with numerous challenges such as low productivity, food spoilage, limited market access, and the growing threat of climate change. The Agrifood Business Incubator was designed to create innovative, entrepreneurial solutions to these challenges while building resilience in Tanzania’s food system.
Shamba Box recognized that while smallholder farmers work hard to feed the country, they face limited access to resources, modern technology, and markets. Entrepreneurs and innovators in the agricultural sector, however, have the potential to bridge this gap by working closely with farmers, introducing sustainable business models, and creating market linkages.
The Incubator Kicks Off
The inaugural cohort of the Agrifood Business Incubator was held from March 11th to 14th, 2020, and brought together a diverse group of 55 participants. These included 30 women and 25 men from Arusha, Moshi, and Manyara. The participants ranged from agronomists, entrepreneurs, and farmers, to engineers, nutritionists, and business developers — all united by a shared passion for transforming Tanzania’s agrifood sector.
The incubator was designed to be hands-on, with workshops, Design Thinking sessions, Lean Startup methodology applications, and classes on disciplined entrepreneurship. Participants engaged in four days of intense, evidence-based learning and practical activities that aimed to identify business opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
Learning by Doing
Over the course of the four days, participants didn’t just sit through lectures. They were immersed in a series of field visits, roundtable discussions, and interactive workshops that challenged them to think creatively about Tanzania’s agrifood challenges. The goal was for each participant to leave with a concrete idea of how they could contribute to the sector’s development through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Through these activities, participants learned to:
- Apply Design Thinking to develop user-centered solutions for smallholder farmers.
- Identify market gaps and develop business models using Lean Startup techniques.
- Develop sustainable business ventures that are socially and environmentally responsible.
Fostering Innovation
One of the most exciting aspects of the incubator was the generation of innovative ideas by participants. They were encouraged to collaborate, explore different perspectives, and find new solutions to age-old problems such as food waste, inefficiencies in the supply chain, and improving farm-to-market systems.
By the end of the program, 20 ideas had been selected for a special mentorship program. These ideas, ranging from agritech innovations to business models that improve market access for smallholders, demonstrated the potential for real impact.
Building Partnerships
The success of the Agrifood Business Incubator wouldn’t have been possible without the support of key partners, especially the World Food Programme Tanzania. Representatives like Mr. Willbroad took the time to engage with participants, providing them with critical insights into the local context and helping them understand the challenges and opportunities for smallholder farmers in Tanzania.
WFP’s involvement brought a wealth of knowledge about the global food system, and how Tanzania could contribute to the broader effort to enhance food security. Their sponsorship of the incubator was a testament to their commitment to supporting grassroots-level innovation that can transform lives.
A Promising Future
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to not only learn but also connect with like-minded individuals who shared their vision for a better future in Tanzania’s agriculture sector.
Looking ahead, Shamba Box is more determined than ever to continue running similar programs. The Agrifood Business Incubator 2020 Cohort 1 was only the beginning, and the lessons learned will shape future iterations of the program, including the much-anticipated Cohort 2.
As the 20 selected ideas move forward into the mentorship phase, the impact of the incubator will continue to grow. These ideas have the potential to revolutionize the agrifood sector in Tanzania, improving productivity, reducing waste, and creating new market opportunities for smallholder farmers.
Conclusion
The Agrifood Business Incubator 2020 Cohort 1 in Arusha, Tanzania, was a beacon of hope for the country’s agricultural future. It demonstrated that with the right support, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial techniques, it’s possible to address the challenges of hunger, food insecurity, and poverty.
At Shamba Box, we’re committed to transforming Tanzania’s food systems through programs like this incubator. By investing in people, fostering innovation, and building partnerships, we’re laying the foundation for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agricultural sector — one that will benefit all Tanzanians for generations to come.
