WFP Boosts Profits for Local Farmers and Strengthens Food Security for Refugees

Under the midday sun in Kibondo, western Tanzania, farmers gathered at the Kibondo Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) warehouse to celebrate the aggregation of 865 metric tons of yellow beans. The beans will be purchased by the World Food Programme (WFP) for its refugee operation, marking a breakthrough for local farmers who have long faced unstable markets and low bargaining power.

For farmers like Andrew Simon, 57, from Kibondo, the bean aggregation has been life-changing; though Andrew admits he was sceptical at first. He had heard that the Kibondo AMCOS was selling beans to WFP and decided to try his luck - “just for that one sale,” he recalls. But everything changed the day he received USD 9,000 directly into his bank account from the sale of nearly eight tons of beans. “I’ve never earned that much in a single sale,” he says. “I didn’t have to chase buyers or negotiate. Everything was organized and fair.” Andrew is now a committed member of the cooperative.

“I can clearly see the progress from the last three years of support,” says James Peter, the Regional Agriculture Advisor, standing among the proud AMCOS members. “The growth of Kibondo AMCOS, composed of our farmers, is a direct result of KOICA and WFP’s efforts. I firmly believe this result will serve as a foundation for sustainable income and resilient livelihoods for farmers.”

The achievement is part of the Kilimo Tija Kigoma (KITIKI) Project, funded by KOICA and implemented by WFP. The project that will run up to 2027, strengthens agricultural value chains, promotes gender equality, and supports peace in refugee‑hosting districts. Through partners World Vision Tanzania and Good Neighbours Tanzania, WFP is equipping 20,000 farmers with modern agricultural skills and improving the management of 35 cooperatives in Kigoma. Linking farmers to financial institutions is also expanding access to affordable loans.

By buying beans directly from local communities, WFP strengthens food systems, improves household income, and ensures a stable supply of nutritious food for 190,000 refugees.