The Nyanza Cooperative Union (NCU-1984 Ltd) has invested more than 3.2 billion Tanzanian shillings from its internally generated revenue to rehabilitate a cotton ginnery in Mwanza Region. According to Daily News, the investment is designed to increase processing capacity and add value to the produce of local farmers. NCU Board Chairman Leonard Lyabauma described the upgrade as a strategic move to strengthen cotton production and improve the economic benefits derived by the agricultural community.
Lyabauma announced the development while receiving a delegation from the Tunduru Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Union (TAMCU) of Ruvuma Region in Magu District. The visiting group traveled to Mwanza to study NCU’s investment models and explore methods for improving its own operations. Lyabauma stated that the rehabilitated facility is expected to process up to 20 million kilogrammes of cotton, thereby strengthening the union’s capacity to support the broader cotton value chain. To secure a reliable supply of raw materials, the union also plans to cultivate cotton on 600 acres in Misungwi District.
Beyond cotton, NCU is expanding its portfolio to include cage fish farming and property development. Gideoni Silas, an NCU member from Misungwi District, reported that the union currently operates 17 fish cages in Luchelele, where harvests have already occurred three times. He added that the union intends to establish another 60 cages in Buchosa Town Council and construct a dedicated fish feed manufacturing plant to reduce production costs and improve profitability.
The TAMCU delegation expressed interest in adopting similar diversification strategies. Marcelino Mrope, the TAMCU General Manager, said the visit provided a practical opportunity to learn from NCU’s experience in ginning and aquaculture. He noted that the exposure inspired his union to consider establishing its own cage fish farming project as a reliable income source. Zamda Zuberi, a TAMCU member, also highlighted the impressive range of assets across Mwanza Region.
Hammery Kazimoto, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives in Mwanza Region, emphasized the importance of such exchanges for improving management and raising productivity. He urged cooperatives to adopt approaches that support sustainable growth, a sentiment echoed by the visiting delegation as it evaluated the economic activities of the Nyanza Cooperative Union.