Utete, TZ – Vicoba Volunteer Families (VVF) now own crop production land – Sep 2025

VVF Village Community Banking (Vicoba) group is a community-based group of volunteer families working to improve their livelihoods and support development in their communities. They meet monthly to save money, address challenges, and plan for sustainable progress. This year, the group has taken a major step by securing a six acres of farmland near Utete town (1 km from the main market). They have paid advance half the cost and are committed to completing the payment in installments after each harvest season, thanks to the support of KCM and its manager, Mr. Dickson in the red shirt above.

They plan to clear the land and and cultivate sesame and cashew nuts, which are high-value cash crops with strong national and international markets. Beyond generating income, the farm will serve as a demonstration pilot providing free training from a collaboration of KCM and the government agricultural officers. Local families, schools, and community members will be offered free training about modern sustainable farming practices.

The VVF Vicoba group is now seeking a startup capital loan of 2,900,000 TZS / US$1,200 to prepare the land and begin cultivation by January. In the future, the group plans to also purchase sesame and cashews from local farmers that can be traded for profit. The goal is for the group to build local agricultural and marketing skills that can contribute to a sustainable income and food security for local families and school children with a focus on assisting KCM’s school Grow-Own-Breakfast (GOB) program at a number of local schools.