UDOM Launches Blockchain System to Aid Farmers' Markets

University of Dodoma Introduces Blockchain System to Boost Farmers' Market Access

Dodoma, Tanzania – March 20, 2025

The University of Dodoma (UDOM) has unveiled an innovative blockchain-based system designed to streamline agricultural supply chains, enhance transparency, and expand market access for farmers. This initiative aims to connect farmers directly with buyers, eliminating exploitative intermediaries and improving efficiency in agricultural trade.

The system underwent rigorous research across three key agricultural regions in Tanzania, each specializing in a major cash crop: tobacco in Tabora, soya in Ruvuma, and cashew nuts in Mtwara. These trials assessed its effectiveness in optimizing supply chains and providing farmers with real-time market insights.

Speaking at a joint assessment meeting, Dr. Hilda Mwangakala, a Senior Lecturer and Lead Researcher at UDOM’s School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, emphasized the transformative impact of the technology.

“This system empowers farmers by granting them access to global market information, enabling contract farming and secure transactions through warehouse receipt systems,” she stated.

The blockchain-based solution is part of a three-year project aimed at digitizing agricultural trade, ensuring that smallholder farmers can sell their produce online with confidence. By integrating digital platforms, the system provides reliable pricing data, secure transactions, and a direct connection between farmers and buyers.

Funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the initiative seeks to modernize Tanzania’s agricultural sector by leveraging cutting-edge technology.

During the meeting, Professor Razack Lokina, UDOM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Consultancy, underscored the system’s potential to revolutionize agricultural markets.

“This digital innovation simplifies the supply chain, ensuring that farmers gain direct access to crucial market information. It is a step forward in empowering local farmers and promoting fair trade,” he remarked.

By integrating blockchain technology, the University of Dodoma aims to enhance market efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and foster a more transparent agricultural economy. The project represents a significant milestone in digital agriculture, potentially setting a precedent for other regions looking to modernize their farming sectors.