Agrica’s Broken Development Model in Tanzania

Kilombero Plantations Ltd (KPL) is a 5,818 hectare (ha) rice plantation located in the heart of the fertile Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. In addition to developing a large-scale rice farm, KPL works with local smallholder farmers through an outgrower model based on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technologies. The investment project receives considerable financial and technical support from various development institutions including the UK Department for International Development (DfID) and USAID.1 This report presents the findings of an investigation carried out in Tanzania between 2011 and 2015 of KPL’s investment venture, focusing on the impacts experienced by surrounding communities.

In conclusion, this report illustrates the difficulties in creating beneficial synergies and balance between the interests of smallholder farmers and those of large-scale agribusinesses. It critically questions the role of large-scale farms in agricultural development as they tend to create more problems than they solve, even when they attempt to include small-scale farmers in their strategy. The findings presented in this report cast serious doubt on the substantial aid money directed towards supporting corporate-led agricultural development. This is especially relevant in the broader Tanzanian development context where large-scale agribusinesses are envisioned greater roles.

Download the report: “Irresponsible Investment – Agrica’s Broken Development Model in Tanzania”

Please find an official response from Agrica here.