In 2010, a visionary group of fifteen maize growers from Ibumila village laid the foundation for the Ibumila Agricultural Marketing Co-operative (Ibumila AMCOS). Officially registered as a cooperative in 2013, the organization swiftly grew, expanding its membership to 94 by 2015.
The core mission of Ibumila AMCOS is to uplift the livelihoods of people in impoverished rural areas. The cooperative empowers small-scale farmers with knowledge and resources, focusing on modern farming techniques at the grassroots level. It implements educational programs guiding farmers on the use of modern, innovative technologies and facilitates their access to essential inputs.
In 2017, Ibumila AMCOS received a US$100K USADF grant to amplify its operations. The funds were allocated to construct a maize storage and collection center, establish a revolving fund for agricultural inputs, and provide comprehensive training in best agricultural practices.
By the conclusion of the USADF-supported capacity-building project in 2020, Ibumila AMCOS achieved remarkable results. Sales revenues doubled, soaring from TZS 44,000,000 (US$17,500) in 2017 to an impressive TZS 88,551,586 (US$35,217). The cooperative witnessed a substantial increase in member farmers, growing from 94 to 158. Equally impressive was the improvement in the average income of maize farmers, surging by over 174% from TZS 263,000 (US$105) to TZS 720,965.28 (US$287).
The impact went beyond the fields, as the success of the project fortified the cooperative's infrastructure. Ibumila AMCOS was able to build offices, operational structures, and develop a sustainable business plan, cementing their position as a driving force in Tanzania’s agricultural landscape.
As a result of these transformative outcomes, Ibumila AMCOS has since earned further recognition and support. Recently, the cooperative received a US$240K USADF grant to execute an expansion project, increasing the volume of maize collected and sold to fortify the cooperative's profits, elevate the incomes of its member farmers, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.
The success of Ibumila AMCOS stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives, where education, innovation, and strategic investments converge to create a lasting impact. As this cooperative continues to flourish, it not only cultivates crops but also forges pathways to prosperity in Tanzanian communities.