Turning supply deals into year-round opportunity

A single business connection can ripple through entire communities. That’s what happened when Kibaigwa Flour Supplies and Zanzibar Animal Feeds began exploring a supply partnership. What started as a lead quickly became an agreement that is about to be signed, for 6,400 tons of animal feed ingredients (maize, wheat, sunflower, and soybean) and, more importantly, a pathway for smallholder farmers to earn year-round income. 

This partnership is an example of the initiative Growing Together in action. Growing Together is designed to identify potential connections between local businesses and farmers, support SMEs in seizing opportunities, and ensure that economic activity benefits entire communities.  

Through this collaboration, Zanzibar Feeds will provide day-old chicks to Kibaigwa’s farmers, supply feed, and later purchase mature birds for its processing facility. This creates a full-cycle poultry market that secures farmers’ livelihoods, strengthens local food systems, and stimulates ongoing economic activity in surrounding communities. 

The ripple effects extend further. To meet the demand for sunflower cake, Kibaigwa sources from cottage processors in Tanzania’s capital Dodoma, keeping production and value within rural areas. 

Over the next three years, IDH will continue to support these partnerships with technical assistance. Providing seed inputs on credit, expanding mechanisation services, establishing close-to-farm aggregation points, and strengthening management systems. These interventions ensure that local markets remain accessible, productive, and sustainable.