Rikolto is an international NGO with more than 50 years of experience, working in Tanzania to build sustainable food systems. Its mission is to support smallholder farmers in achieving better incomes while ensuring that everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. The organization takes a holistic approach, focusing not just on farming techniques but also on market systems, inclusion, and resilience to climate change.

Key Focus Areas

Sustainable Production & Climate Resilience

Promotes climate-smart agriculture practices, including solar-powered drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, mulching, and improved seed varieties.

Encourages sustainable management of landscapes to balance farming, biodiversity, water, and forest resources.

Food Safety, Quality, and Market Access

Works with farmers, vendors, and transporters to meet hygiene and quality standards so that produce can fetch better prices in markets.

Inclusive Market Models & Business Skills

Supports farmer organizations in strengthening their business and financial management.

Connects farmers with buyers, credit institutions, and market opportunities while promoting youth and women’s inclusion.

Sustainable Food Systems & Governance

Brings together multiple stakeholders—farmers, government, private sector, and research institutions—for collective planning and decision-making.

Advocates for policies that support sustainable food systems and landscape management.

Major Projects in Tanzania

Sustainable Water Management for Resilient Communities
Works in Meru (Arusha) and Rungwe (Mbeya) to introduce solar-powered irrigation, water harvesting, and business models for climate-resilient farming.

Sustainable Rice Programme
Collaborates with farmer groups and the Rice Council of Tanzania to promote sustainable rice practices, improve yields, and strengthen farmer access to finance and markets.

Good Food for Cities
Focuses on Arusha and Mbeya, training farmers in regenerative agriculture, pest management, and water management. It also improves urban food markets by enhancing infrastructure and food safety standards.

Kilimo Stahimilivu (“Resilient Agriculture”)
Supports farmers with training in climate-resilient practices, helping increase yields and linking them with financial solutions for agricultural investments.

Scale & Impact

Thousands of producers in Tanzania have benefitted from Rikolto’s interventions, gaining higher yields and better access to markets.

Farmers have successfully introduced sustainable practices that improved both incomes and resilience to climate shocks.

More produce is reaching markets under improved safety and sustainability standards.

Women and youth are increasingly included in farming and market opportunities.

How Rikolto Works

Partnerships: Works with farmer organizations, local governments, research institutions, private companies, and financial institutions.

Demonstration & Training: Uses demonstration plots and training sessions to encourage the adoption of sustainable farming techniques.

Inclusive Finance: Links credit and finance opportunities with sustainability practices, providing flexible payment options for equipment like solar pumps and irrigation systems.

Policy & Advocacy: Supports platforms for dialogue between farmers, government, and the private sector to build sustainable food systems.