BACKGROUND

The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme( WED)- Food Processing was initiated and implemented in the country jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO). Since 2004, WED operates as an independent unit within SIDO.

The programme is still maintaining the same objective of promoting productive employment and gender equality, within the focus on poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihood. It contributes to empowerment of Tanzania women, employment generation and income distribution.

The impact of this programme has reached all the 21 regions in Tanzania Mainland and the Isles.

SERVICES

The programme operates using a business plan revised yearly to meet with market demand, the current activities carried out by the programme include:

1. Food Processing and Entrepreneurship Development Courses including TOTs

2. Consultancy for the Food Industry

3. Provision of Information on Food Industry and Markets

4. Organising open days and Trade Fairs for MSMEs

5. Sourcing and sale of food processing equipments and inputs

6. Facilities for Food Processing and Testing

7. Networking and Advocacy

Food Processing and Entrepreneurship Development Courses including TOTs

WED has modern facilities for training entrepreneurs and trainers in the areas of food processing methods and technologies, food quality and safety, cleaner production complemented by business & entrepreneurship skills for managing the enterprises. The distinctive features of the trainings are:

1. Combination of entrepreneurship and technical skills at the production centre offered by experienced trainers with reputable credentials. Trained entrepreneurs are equipped to start own food processing enterprises supported by advisory services.
   • Tailor-made training according to the needs of course participants. Courses vary in  length , in depth and within the scope of material covered.2.     A four week Training of Trainers Workshop
2. Awareness training for Food processing entrepreneurs on the Malaria, HIV and AIDS  pandemics.
   • Use of participatory training techniques and sharing of experiences through  learning by doing.

Consultancy and Information on the Food Industry.

To achieve its goal of creating entrepreneurs in food processing industry WED offers the following services:

Surfing from Internet, local and international technology, compilation and offering information on food processing technologies, market, e.t.c. in form of publications, newsletters, bulletins, booklets etc.

Preparation on request of feasibility and other technical studies for MSMEs

Business cash-flows preparations

Proposals writing

Organising Open days and Trade Fairs for MSMEs:

In order to promote products made by women entrepreneurs, the programme organizes open days/exhibition for enterprises in food processing, packaging and related industry. Exhibitions provide a forum for interactions with consumers, policy makers, financiers and other stakeholders; in addition to promoting manufactured products

Participating exhibitors through these events receive good contacts including orders from supermarkets and hotels. The programme, also facilitate the participation to national and sub regional trade fairs e.g.. DITF, Nanenane, Nairobi and Kampala International Trade fairs, Africa Industrialisation Day, etc.

Facilities for Food Processing and Testing

WED has an excellent facility for food processing of various products including: fruits and vegetables, meat processing, pasta making, baking, mixing and milling of flour and grinding of spices, edible oil processing and others. In addition the unit has a quality control laboratory and RO water treatment plant. The unit is suitable for micro entrepreneurs wishing to expand their businesses. The facilities are situated at SIDO Industrial Estate along Nyerere road-Vingunguti area.

IMPACT

WED has trained 118 trainers to date who are executing the training function in all regions of Tanzania and Zanzibar. At least each of the 21 regions has 1-2 trainers, some located in the rural areas of the country. Following is the summary of statistics:

• 2400 entrepreneurs have been trained in 1 month and short tailored courses (2 days -2 weeks); out of which over 585 are from 1-2 month courses.
• Over 70% of trainees are in business  50% of those started business are producing regularly 20%of them are operating at the small-scale level.
• Assets of the women in business ranges from US$ 670 to US$ 16200
• 1700 jobs have been created by both long and short course participant
• A few entrepreneurs export processed food products to neighboring countries
• Value added to processed foods in comparison to materials from farms  is over 200%
• Most of the created enterprises produce quality products, which are sold in different  supermarkets in the country competing parallel with imported food products.

Formation of a Food Processors Association (TAFOPA) operating independently from the programme and with over 200 paid up members is another positive impact of the programme

SOME OF THE CONTRACTS PERFORMED.

WED has performed following consultancies:

FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT:

Programme Co-ordinator- WED
SIDO Headquarters,
Mfaume Road, Upanga
P.O. Box 2476, Dar es salaam
Tel/ Fax. 2151383 ,2860077
E-mail: wed@sido.go.tz
Website: www.sido.go.tz

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