Cooperative Leaders Urged to Follow Legal Guidelines

Cooperative Leaders Urged to Uphold Legal Guidelines

Moshi, March 8, 2025
In a recent visit to Kilimanjaro, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Stephen Nindi, emphasized the importance of cooperative leaders adhering to legal frameworks and financial procedures to prevent resource mismanagement and conflicts. This call came during a tour of the Kilimanjaro region, where Dr. Nindi assessed government efforts to improve the operational systems and management structures of cooperatives.

Dr. Nindi highlighted that legal systems and cooperative guidelines are often compromised, leading to disputes and the loss of valuable resources. He stressed that the government is committed to assisting smallholder farmers through cooperative structures, urging leaders to work with professionalism and integrity to ensure sustainable agricultural development.

“If legal systems, financial processes, and leadership protocols are not followed, we risk confusion among farmers and the potential loss of cooperative resources,” warned Dr. Nindi. “The government’s role is to strengthen the services provided to smallholder farmers through cooperatives. I urge all cooperative leaders to operate according to the law and guidelines to achieve tangible results for farmers.”

Dr. Nindi further stated that it is essential for cooperative leaders to foster an environment that motivates members to be productive and increase their income through agriculture. He added that it is the responsibility of primary cooperatives to manage resources effectively, ensure accurate harvest collection, and maintain proper member accounts to build a better future for the cooperatives and their members.

“The key role of the central cooperatives is to support and motivate primary cooperatives to ensure they work efficiently. They should act as the umbrella organizations that provide security and direction for the primary cooperatives and their members,” Dr. Nindi said.

During his visit to the Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU), Dr. Nindi commended the union for implementing strategies to enhance its operations. KNCU’s General Manager, Dr. Honest Kessy, shared the union’s approach to improving management and accountability, which includes strengthening asset management contracts and increasing oversight. KNCU has also committed to using electronic systems and enhancing member services.

“We are determined to improve how we manage our assets, strengthen our export sales business, and ensure KNCU’s operations are streamlined and efficient. Every month, we hold management meetings to assess progress, identify challenges, and adapt our strategies. Quarterly board meetings further help refine our approach,” said Dr. Kessy.

The price of coffee has seen an increase this season, rising from 4,000 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) per kilogram to 9,000 TZS. Dr. Kessy explained that this hike is encouraging coffee farmers and driving interest in the sector. “This year’s coffee prices are much better. Last year, we paid farmers 4,643 TZS per kilogram, and this year we will pay 9,000 TZS. This is good news for the farmers and provides a boost for coffee cultivation,” Dr. Kessy added.

Dr. Christopher Timbuka, the Siha District Commissioner, echoed these sentiments, noting that ongoing collaboration with cooperatives aims to strengthen their capacity for continued growth and development.