The story behind the numbers

P4P is implemented worldwide, 21 countries are part of the P4P pilot. Tanzania started implementation in 2009 and now, one year later, it was time to look back. In February, an annual review was held. What was achieved in the first year? What challenges were we facing? How to continue?

Just some numbers. Over 30.000mt food (with a value of 1 million USD) has been bought directly from smallholder farmers. Almost 10.000 farmers were trained, among them 28% woman. A total of 754 households, 50 SACCOS and 35 traders were interviewed. Impressing numbers, but the real interesting part was the story behind these numbers.

During the review, all stakeholders were together. The permanent secretary of the Ministery of Agriculture, representatives of the WorldBank, IFAD, FAO, NGO’s, commercial banks and traders: All were there. But most important, there were representatives of all SACCOS. These representatives, who are farmers themselves, could tell from first hand what impact WFP had on their business and their lives. They could tell us what worked and especially, what should be improved. It is for the first time in history that WFP deals directly with smallholder farmers, not as beneficiaries but as purchasing partners. 

Two days of presentations, discussions and sharing experiences. The outcome? Many lessons learned, shared best practices and identified challenges. A sound base for the Year 2 Implementation Plan. But we gained more than input for just another document. We gained support and mutual understanding. All implementing partners were present, discussing and talking with each other. From high level governmental to grassroots level. And they saw that the farmers, even the ones from very remote areas who barely spoke English, have a lot to offer. They might not have bargaining power, but they surely have the drive to change their situation. They just need a little push. And maybe some rain…